Performance of treated wooden electricity distribution poles in service in Uganda

Abstract

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and Creosote-treated eucalypts are the preferred material for wooden electricity distribution poles in Uganda despite their susceptibility to biodegradation. This study assessed the extent of premature pole failure, its causes, and the service life of poles in Uganda. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect and analyse data including: (i) Secondary data extraction (ii) stakeholder interviews (iii) focus group discussions, and (iv) field observations. The results showed that over 8.3% of poles supplied between 2017 and 2021 failed prematurely translating to over USD. 8.8 million in replacement costs. Fungal decay and termite damage were the leading causes of pole failure accounting for 85.3% of CCA-treated poles and 67% of creosote-treated poles. Further analysis indicated that the average service life of poles in Uganda was about 10 years. The cause of pole failure, point of failure and geographic location of the pole in service were identified as the main factors to explain premature pole failure. To minimise failure, it is recommended that pole sourcing, handling, seasoning, and preservative treatment are conducted according to applicable country and regional standards.