(Ecofin Agency) - In Nigeria, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the construction of the $5.8 billion Mambilla hydroelectric power plant by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

 According to the Minister of power, works and housing, Babatunde Fashola (photo), 85% of the funding for the project will come from China’s Export-Import Bank while the Federal Government will provide the remaining 15%. Located on the Donga River in the eastern Taraba State, the project is expected to last for around six years. “The scope of works is very extensive, it requires the construction of four dams. It will involve a lot of preparatory work (and) resettlement. It will also help Nigeria strike a very big blow on the climate change issue,” he said.

The construction of the 3,050-megawatt Mambilla hydroelectric plant was announced over three decades ago. Indeed, while several administrations promised to commence work on the project, signing contracts and memoranda of understanding even, nothing was actually done.

While the government believes the project, once completed, could provide the much-needed energy to the country, environmental groups have expressed concerns about the project. 

“Many fear that Mambilla will go the way of previous large development projects (including large hydropower projects) where contracts are meted out but projects are never built. If the Mambilla dam project does continue, it could mean disastrous environmental and social impacts for those already living in poverty along the banks of the Benue River,” the International Rivers campaign group said on its official site.

Anita Fatunji