Executives of China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC), the Chinese firm which is in charge of construction works for two hydropower dams in Gabon, met with the new minister of power of the country, Patrick Eyogo Edzang to discuss development schedule for the project. “We have already set a course for the project. Files needed for funding have all been submitted to the bank by the Chinese part. We are now waiting for its approval,” said the deputy director of CGGC.  

The construction of the two infrastructures will require a total of FCFA200 billion which are to be provided by Eximbank of China. 

Regarding the Imperatrice Eugenie dam, the infrastructure which is located in Fougamou, Ngounie, in the Southern part of the country, it should have added 130MW to the grid but this capacity was however scaled down to 88MW in order to prevent flooding in the area. The works which will last 42 months will create 500 direct jobs.

“The construction of this dam will, not only help create revenue-generating activities, but also generate employment, as well as improve power distribution and accessibility in the country,” some say in the government.

Regarding the Fe II dam, which is located in Mitzic, Woleu-Ntem, in the North, it will according to authorities, boost the development capacity of the province and help fight poverty through the development of the small industry (wood processing, rubber farming, services), craftsmanship, agriculture and trade. It is expected to produce 400 direct jobs and 52MW of electricity.

For now however, China would, before the two projects effectively commence, like to know more about government’s plans to reimburse the financing needed for the infrastructures.