Commissioning of the first section of rural electrification works on the Lebamba-Makongonio axis in the Ngounié province
Libreville, June 15, 2023 – In order to reinforce the access to reliable and affordable energy for the Gabonese population, Gabon Power Company (GPC) and the Gabonese Electricity, Telephone, and Water Company (SETEG), two entities of the Gabonese Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS), received the Bongolo-Kanda power line on June11, 2023, as part of the rural electrification project on the Lebamba-Makongonio axis.
This rural electrification project will eventually supply seven (7) villages located in the Ngounié province: Kanda, Moukoundou, Mandji, Dibwangui, Bilala, Ndoubi, Makongonio, and connect over 2000 households to the electrical grid of Louetsi. This project, funded by GPC and implemented by SETEG, aims to increase accesst o electricity in isolated areas of the country, meet the growing demand for electricity in southern Gabon, reduce the use of fossil fuels (diesel, gasoline, etc.), and expand the interconnected network at the national level.
The rural electrification project on the Lebamba-Makongonio axis is a key initiative in GPC's energy access projects development in southern Gabon. It is closely aligned with the Acceleration Plan for Transformation (PAT), aiming to generate significant socio-economic impact across the Gabonese territory. The development of new High Voltage (HV) lines and the extension of the Low Voltage(LV) network facilitate access to clean energy for the entire population.
Mr. Oswald Séverin MAYOUNOU, Minister of Energy and Hydraulic Resources, stated, "The project is aligned with the vision of the President of the Republic, Head of State, His Excellency Ali BONGO ONDIMBA, to increase the electrification rate in rural areas. This public-private partnership is a concrete response to the desire to find solutions to meet the energy needs of Gabonese citizens, fight against rural exodus, and stimulate the country's economic activity."
Mr. Akim Mohamed DAOUDA, CEO of FGIS, stated, "This project optimizes leverage of energy services and significantly improves the quality of life for the inhabitants of Ngounié. Providing quality and accessible electricity also contributes to the empowerment of youth and women. We are proud to see that this project has inspired numerous young girls to start careers in engineering and technical fields."
Mr. Philippe Jr. OSSOUCAH, Deputy CEO of Gabon Power Company, specified, "The commissioning of this first segment already allows us to connect the populations of Kanda to the electrical grid. This key step paves the way for us to continue the electrification works in order to receive the second section(Kanda-Moukoundou), where 95% of the Low Voltage supports have already been installed. The fruitful collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources, FGIS, GPC, and SETEG highlights Gabon's expertise in expanding rural electrification."
Marcellin SIMBA NGARI, CEO of the Gabonese Electricity, Telephone, and Water Company, added, "This construction project on the Lebamba-Makongonio axis has allowed us to employ 250 young Gabonese in the fields of construction and electrical equipment. This collaboration with the local inhabitants is crucial for the successful completion of the work. Our ambition is to share our know-how for better integration of young people and to meet the specific needs of households in accordance with the vision of the highest authorities."
ABOUT THE GABONESE STRATEGIC INVESTMENT FUND (FGIS)
The Gabonese Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS) is the exclusive manager of the Gabonese Republic Sovereign Fund (FSRG) and the unallocated holdings of the Gabonese state portfolio. The Fund invests to achieve shared prosperity for the Gabonese population and future generations. The Fund operates in three strategic sectors: infrastructure financing, SME support, and support for social sectors. FGIS also acts as the exclusive manager responsible for the commercialization of carbon credits owned by the Gabonese Republic as part of the fight against climate change. For more information: www.fgis-gabon.com /LinkedIn and Twitter.
ABOUT GABON POWER COMPANY
Established in 2015 by the Gabonese Strategic Investment Fund (FGIS), Gabon Power Company is the investment holding company dedicated to financing projects in energy infrastructure, drinking water production, and sanitation. As a true catalyst for private or direct investment, GPC is currently developing a series of projects aimed at improving electricity and water supply throughout the country, adhering to the best practices of social and environmental responsibility. Its team consists mainly of experienced Gabonese professionals, and its Kinguélé Aval project has the distinction of being the first Gabonese project to integrate the United Nations carbon credits system, avoiding nearly73,000 tCO2 per year. www.gpc-gabon.com
ABOUT THE GABONESE ELECTRICITY, TELEPHONE, AND WATER COMPANY
The history of SETEG is closely linked to that of Gabon, where the company has been present for 47 years. Its technical expertise and strong integration into the Gabonese economic environment have allowed it to actively participate in the country's development by contributing to the implementation of major facilities, particularly in the construction and maintenance of electricity networks, telephone lines, and water supply systems in Gabon. www.seteg.app