Work has effectively resumed on the construction site of the Nachtigal power plant project on the Sanaga River, in Cameroon, according to the Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, and his colleague from Labor and Social Security, Grégoire Owona.

Work had been severely disrupted in recent weeks after workers deserted the site, demanding better working conditions. Their return is proof that the resolutions taken during a meeting between the project stakeholders on March 12, 2021, have been implemented.

Progress made so far

During a visit to the project site on April 16. 2021, the two ministers assessed the state of progress of the work done so far and reported that the cumulative advancement rate to date is 38%. In detail, the electromechanical work is 33% done, the transmission line is 71% complete, and the operating city is 64% complete.

The construction manager assured that the site is particularly active despite the mood swing recorded and that at the end of the year they will be able to complete all the conventional concrete structures that are on the left bank. This includes the canal water intake, the spillway, the temporary diversion sluices.

“During the same period, we will also start the main roadblock and we will also have made significant progress on the installation of equipment.  The goal is to put the first turbine into service in February 2023 and the seventh in March the following year”, he elaborated.

Expectations for the project

Led by the Nachtigal Hydro Power Company (NHPC), which is a consortium formed by EDF, the World Bank IFC Group institution, and the State of Cameroon, the Nachtigal hydroelectric project is a national priority to secure the Central African country’s electricity system.

It will improve and secure people’s access to electricity while contributing to the country’s low-carbon transition. The increase in the country’s electricity production capacity will enable Cameroon to become an electricity exporter in the sub-region in the medium and long term contributing to its economy.