Government has revealed that the construction of the controversial 600 megawatt Karuma hydro power dam is to begin early next year.

This follows the conclusion of the procurement process for the construction of the dam.

The minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Irene Muloni says currently they are only left with awarding the contract to a competent company.

Muloni adds that upon completion, the multibillion power project will help in addressing the country’s growing demand for energy.

She says the proposed Karuma Hydropower Project will add up to 600 Mega Watts to the national grid.

The minister made these remarks in Kampala while opening the Ministry’s 2012 Joint Annual Sector Review.