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Researching Very Low Cost Pico Hydro Schemes in Rural Uganda URSS Researcher: Jonathan May Supervisor: Dr Colin Oram Improved Power Poles for Very Low Cost Rural Electrification Schemes in Uganda ABSTRACT Water intrusion and termite damage are two major issues in rural electrification in East Africa. These issues, particularly in mountainous terrain, increase the risk of pole instability and failure; which might result in both electrical and human damage. Industrial methods of pole protection are relatively expensive for use in international development work, and difficult to implement in mountainous regions. This project analyses and tests the viability of concrete ‘Godfathers’ to fulfil this purpose at low cost whilst adding stability to poles in areas subject to regular storms. Godfather moulds were transported to Mount Gesse Primary School, where rotting of electricity poles was found to be a major problem due to water intrusion and termite damage. Due to the school’s mountainous location, building materials were sourced locally using natural substances where possible: sand for the concrete was dug from the river bed, and aggregate was made from rocks taken from the mountainside. Various construction and installation methods were experimented with, alongside local volunteers who were taught the best methods for different scenarios. Termites were reluctant to climb up the Godfather to reach the timber pole while there was more accessible wood in the area.