Far North Cameroon:

BENIN HYDRO-ELECTRICITY DAM PROJECT kicks-

By Rachel NtubeNgwese in Yaounde

After the launch of major projects in LomPangar, Menve’elle, Mekin, and the Kribi and Ndogpassi gas plants to boost energy supply in the country, the Northern region still suffers from severe energy deficits resulting from a drastic drop in the energy production capacity of the Lagdo Dam. The Dam that initially had a production capacity of about 72MW annually has seen its capacity drop to barely 50MW.

 Officials say this is not sufficient to meet the demand of the three Northern regions. To curb this deficit, the Benin hydro electricity dam was designed within the frame work of the master plan of the 2035 national electrification program.

                The project estimated at some 320 million dollars, will cover a total land area of 12.000 hectares. It would be financed by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and executed by the China Sino-Hydro Electricity Corporation Ltd.

                The launch of the project was made public last week in Yaoundé by the Minister of Communication IssaTchiromaBakary, at a press conference he summoned alongside other stakeholder ministers including notably the Minister of Water and Energy resources.

                Minister Tchiroma explained that the project comprises of a power plant with a production capacity of 560 million cubic meters, a 75MW hydro electricity dam, a transmission line, a rural electrification system and the construction of access roads notably the Ngoundere/Togorro road.

                He added that measures have been put in place to handle other environmental and socio-cultural issues resulting from expopriation and the resettlement of the affected populations.

                In all, about 80 percent of preparatory works including the opening up of access roads have already been completed, while other technical and structural issues are already set for effective work to begin.