Energy deficit will be reduced to 30 megawatts – Nsangou

The Director General of Electricity Development Corporation (EDC), the public company for the management of the energy sector, has justified the partial impoundment of the Lom Pangar Dam and its impact on the energy crisis in Cameroon.

Jeune Afrique: Why partial and not final impoundment of water?

Théodore Nsangou: We could wait until July 2016 for the final impoundment. The dam is 90% complete, at the time of partial implementing of water. Because of the energy crisis, the government asked us to do something to mitigate the deficit by 2016 which has been rated to 100 megawatts (MW) by Eneo. This partial impoundment will, therefore, ensure a capacity of 70 MW. Thanks to Lom Pangar, the depth of the deficit will be reduced to 30 MW.

J.A.: This partial water impoundment was carried out as a result of the workers strike. Why these repeated strikes?

The claims of workers were legitimate two years ago. The social side is not the strong point for the Chinese companies. The same values are not shared. Issues of pay, classification, social security were important in 2012 and we solved it.

We had to dismiss two or three restorers who did not carry out the work properly. Orders were given to address health issues. We have established a dialogue through a platform where we discuss with workers, to resolve problems.

In recent months, people began to manipulate workers so that they disturb us during the partial water impoundment. This strike started on September 13, two days before the theoretical date of potential flooding.

J. A.: Who are they?

Théodore Nsangou: Our investigations permitted us to identify them and everything is back in order.

J.A.: Where can you locate the process for the transfer of Bamendjin, Mape and Mbakaou dams managed by Eneo which will be returned to you?

Théodore Nsangou: This handing over could have been done in July, in the wake of the signing of the Protocol N ° 2 for the lease contract between the State and Eneo. But the latter dragged its feet for various reasons. The government required it to meet its commitments. Everything is ready and the signing will take place in the coming weeks. This transfer must at least be effective on December 15 at the latest because we have the low water in 2016 to manage.