Merowe Dam has generated more desperately needed electricity for Sudan, but there are other drawbacks for the project since its the home of an ancient civilization and many local people had to move away because of the dam.
Sudan, like other African countries, has many problems related to infrastructure, and one of the most significant barriers to being a developed country and meets the basic needs of its citizens is electricity. No doubt that power is an essential part of making huge strides in the world of industry, health, education, in addition to the comfort and well-being of citizens.
The building of Merowe Dam Shortage of electricity prompted Sudan to seek a solution and find a way to upgrade its capacity and generate more electricity. The first attempt in this connection had been before independence when the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan authority proposed to establish a dam back in 20th century. Although the proposal hadn’t materialized, it was revived under president Nemieri in 1979, but, the lack of funds made building a dam for electricity production difficult.
Sudan started exporting oil in large quantities in 1999, providing it with enough resources and greatly improved creditworthiness to cause an influx of foreign investment, whjich enabled it to build what is now known as the Merowe Dam Project.
Dividends reach remote area
The Director of Network Distribution Department at the National Electricity Corporation (NEC), Mr Abdul Rahman Hajjaj, announced the formation of more than 70 distribution stations in the country with a capacity of over 415 volts and that comes within the NEC efforts and preparations for Merowe Dam electricity production to enter the national grid.
This came during the NEC celebration of the beginning of Merowe Dam production. Mr Hajjaj added that the distribution stations were erected in each of Khartoum North, Omdurman, Khartoum, Damazin, Sennar, Matamma, Eddamer, Karima, Dongola, Rahad, El-Obeid, Gedaref.
He pointed out that NEC plans in this direction is accomplishing 106 squares in Khartoum/ Khartoum North / Omdurman, and that work is underway in accomplishing 18 squares in Port Sudan, 16 squares in Gezira State, 11 squares in Kassala and 8 squares in Damazin, besides the distribution nets outside the national grid.
NEC efforts will continue, according to Mr Hajjaj, to complete the third phase of the integrated networks in River Nile and Northern States in which 98% of the first and the second phases were completed.
He said that the additional stage contributed to making electricity supply stable in the national grid as it has upgraded its capacity in preparation for Merowe Dam electricity supply which will reflect positively on all sectors.
Will the benefits outweigh the damage?
The step of establishing the dam is by all accounts in the interest of Sudan, especially when there is a need for more power supply. However, there are negative impacts for the project, as well. The construction of Merowe Dam required the removal of communities living in the area who had to resettle elsewhere. Thus, they opposed the erection of the dam, and the government, in turn, had to compensate them.
Merowe area is the cradle of a great civilization that existed in the area thousands of years ago. Flooding the area with dam water may have put archeological sites at risk. However, some observers say the benefits gained by the establishment of the dam outweigh the damage since electricity is a necessity for modern life and many people will feel the benefit of the dam. The government promised that it won’t allow any damage to archeological sites in the area.
