§ 31. Mr. Rhodes Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aid is being provided for the power generation projects in Africa.
§ Mr. RaisonWe are providing aid for such projects in 10 countries. Details will be published in the Official Report.
§ Mr. Rhodes JamesI should like to ask a particular question about the new Kiambere project in Kenya. What is the cost of the project to the British taxpayer? While I accept that the potential advantages to Kenya are considerable, what will be the impact on jobs and industry in this country?
§ Mr. RaisonOur grant to Kenya for the Kiambere project is up to £12.3 million. I have no doubt that that will be valuable to Kenya. It will also provide important contracts for switchyard equipment, transmission lines and general electrical work for British companies.
§ Mr. Jim SpicerDoes my right hon. Friend know that there is a major hydroelectric power station on the border between Namibia and Angola, which was designed to supply power to Angola? Will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that, when the situation demands and it is possible for us to give such help, he will be prepared to recommend support to bring the two generators into use to supply power to southern Angola?
§ Mr. RaisonI cannot give such an undertaking, but if a proposal is put to me at the appropriate time I shall consider it carefully.
| Following are the details: | |
| Country and Purpose | Maximum Amount Allotted £million |
| Kenya | |
| Cost of contracts won by British companies in construction of 140MW hydro power project at Kiambere | 12.3 |
| Sudan | |
| Construction of 60MW power station at Khartoum North* | 50.5 |
| Construction of 40MW extension to Burri power station* | 24.2 |
| Rehabilitation of original Burri power station | 8.22 |
| Somalia | |
| Rehabilitation and replacement of generators in Hargeisa, Berbera and Burao and associated equipment | 1.575 |
| Tanzania | |
| Rehabilitation of Mtwara power station | 0.22 |
| Uganda | |
| Consultancy on rehabilitation and uprating of Owen Falls power station | 0.51 |
| Mozambique | |
| Installation of two 2.5MW generators and ancillary equipment at Pemba power station, and supervisory consultancy | 3.03 |
| Botswana | |
| Aid and Trade provision grant for equipment for Morupule power station | 4.418 |
| Zimbabwe | |
| Aid and Trade provision grant for pipework at Hwange power station. | 1.00 |
| * Help will be given with running both power stations for the next 2 to 3 years. |
§ In addition spare parts have recently been provided to the Gambia, and spares and follow-up service to a generation project in Guinea-Bissau.