It has been confirmed that the foundation stone of the project would be laid before week end by Head of state, Paul Biya.
The Memve’ele hydro electric dam project is in line with government’s effort to address the energy deficits which Cameroon is currently facing. Estimated to cost CFA 365 billion, it would last for 60 months according, to officials. Located at the heart of the equatorial forest, the 35m high Memve’ele falls would produce 201 mega watts of electricity upon completion. It would cover a surface area of 5220 hectares. Work is being executed by China’s Synohydro Ltd. Cameroon is being partnered in the materialisation of this dream by the Chinese Eximbank, the African development bank, AfDB and the Central African states’ development bank, Bdeac. As per the project factsheet, China’s Eximbank has already availed CFA 243 billion which was expected from them. The funds would be used in constructing the dam and the mill. Cameroon government’s personal contribution of CFA 43 billion has been used to construct the access roads to the project site. Energy produced at Memeve’ele would be transported to Yaoundé via Ebolowa where a transformation and interconnection unit of 225/90/30 KVA 225 KV transmission line would be built to link the dam to Yaoundé. The dam is separated from Yaoundé by a distance of at least 300 Km. Environmental studies have been completed and a certificate delivered. Meanwhile the 92.5 Km that separates the project site, Nyabissan Meyo-Centre is currently under construction. It would be tarred. But to ease dam construction proper, the former track is being enlarged and paved with gravel. The tarring would be completed in 19 months.
BN
Benedict Ndinwa
