Congo accomplishes power project with support from China

The Republic of Congo government, with support from the Chinese government, has constructed a 30 KV electricity line linking the towns of Owando and Makoua (a distance of 71.2 km) in Cuvette department, an official source said on Wednesday. The project, which ended on Tuesday, involves establishment of transformation posts and other accessories in Makoua. The project costs over 4 billion CFA Francs (8.7 million U. S. dollars), with China providing 85 percent of the spending and the Republic of Congo providing 15 percent. The line will supply electricity to Makoua from the 120 MW Imboulou hydroelectric dam, which is one of the fruits of the strategic partnership between China and the Republic of Congo. The construction work of the line was carried out by CMEC-IEC, a Chinese company, within a period of 12 months. "This is part of the government's plan initiated in 2012 to connect all towns to electricity. Soon the entire national territory will have access to electricity," said Jean Jacques Bouya, Minister for the Presidency and Spatial Planing and the Delegate General for Major Projects. The connection of Makoua to the Imboulou hydroelectric dam will guarantee a 24-hour electricity supply, facilitate access to water and improve health conditions for the population in the town.