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Mr. James D. Wolfensohn, President RE: Withdraw support for Bujugali Dam! Dear Mr. Wolfensohn, I am deeply concerned and dismayed about the World Bank's proposed Bujugali Dam project in Uganda. Close to 95 percent of the people of Uganda lack electricity, but I am amazed that you would even consider such a proposal when the Bank’s own study shows that only 7 percent of Uganda's population would be able to afford electricity from the high-cost ($530 million) Bujagali project. I urge you to immediately withdraw the World Bank's participation in this project, and to move instead toward supporting more sustainable and sensible options. In addition, the dam would destroy Uganda's "national treasure," the beautiful Bujagali Falls at the source of the Nile. Whitewater rafting on the spectacular series of cascading rapids just 8 km from Lake Victoria generates $60 million a year in tourist revenues, with great potential for growth if the falls remain wild. I very strongly urge the Bank to undertake a complete assessment of energy options for Uganda (as recommended by the World Commission on Dams), including improved efficiency, geothermal, micro-hydro, solar, bagasse and the proposed Karuma dam as an alternative to the Bujagali site. As you must know, a coalition of organizations called the Save Bujagali Crusade and the National Association of Professional Environmentalists recommends development of Uganda’s considerable geothermal, solar and micro-hydro resources, as well as better management of the national grid which currently leaks over a quarter of energy produced. An alternate hydro-electric project site at Karuma is also preferred because its location would favor the underdeveloped northern region, and environmental and social impacts would be minimized. It is absolutely essential that the Bank ensure full citizen and NGO participation in the next phase of decision making for Bujagali and other proposed dams, as well as complete transparency in all energy contracts. Also, it is crucial that the World Bank work with African governments to develop a comprehensive management plan for the Nile River before any new dams are commissioned. I will join millions of concerned American taxpayers and concerned citizens worldwide in closely monitoring your actions regarding energy development in Uganda.
copy to: Enos Banda, CEO Most Sincerely,
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