Cameroon to get £30m for hydro-electric project

8 January 2010

The governments of Cameroon and China have signed a loan agreement through the Exim Bank of China for the execution of the Mekin hydro-electric plant for FCFA 22 billion (£30 million).

Building a dam on the River Dja capable of holding 940 million cubic metres of water - as well as a 12 MW power station and a high-tension evacuation line of 63 KW over 40 kilometres - will take an expected three years.

When finished, the plant should supply the entire Dja and Lobo region with electricity.

Louis Paul Motaze, from the ministry of the economy, planning and regional development, was quoted by the Cameroon Tribune as saying the project is of utmost importance to the socio-economic development of the country.

Not only would it up the power supply in the region but would stimulate industry and create jobs as well, he said.

Recently, the Kribi Power Development Company commissioned the 86 MW Dibamba power plant.

The subsidiary of the AES Corporation announced the project would be key to helping provide the population with affordable and sustainable energy.

Category: Energy