In a bid to address the persistent issue of power cuts plaguing Cameroon, the country’s Energy Minister, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, has made a resolute pledge to put an end to electricity disruptions. This commitment comes at a crucial juncture, amidst ongoing talks regarding the government’s potential takeover of the energy sector.
The announcement was made during a recent meeting between Minister Eloundou Essomba and representatives from the Cameroon Employers Union (GECAM) in Douala on February 22, 2024. The meeting served as a platform to address concerns raised by businesses in Douala and Yaounde regarding the detrimental impact of frequent power outages on their operations.
One of the primary drivers behind the current electricity supply challenges has been the reduced output from the Memve’éle hydroelectric power plant which is said to have a significant drop of about 150 kilowatts, attributed to declining water levels. Minister Eloundou Essomba assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to address this issue, with plans to restore stability to the power grid by the end of March. Additionally, the impending commissioning of the Nachtigal Dam is expected to bolster the country’s electricity supply, further contributing to the Minister’s pledge of uninterrupted power provision.
The facility, which produces an annual output of 211 megawatts, is anticipated to rectify the issue by 2025. Although Cameroon possesses considerable hydropower potential estimated at around 115,000 GWh/year, only a mere 4% has been tapped into, primarily relying on three principal power plants—Edea, Songloulou, and Lagdo—while others are currently in various stages of construction.
However, the Minister’s commitment to improving energy reliability coincides with discussions surrounding the government’s proposed takeover of the electricity sector. This move marks a significant shift in ownership dynamics, with the government aiming to regain control of the sector that was privatized in 2001 under the IMF’s structural adjustment program that saw the government owning just 44% shares while the British Investment Fund holdings ENEO owning the lion’s share of 56% shares.
As negotiations progress, questions have arisen regarding the potential implications of the government’s increased involvement in the energy industry. Concerns have been raised about the outstanding debts of about 266 billion FCFA owed to ENEO by the government and, highlighting the need for effective financial management and accountability measures.
In conclusion, Minister Eloundou Essomba’s pledge to eliminate power cuts represents a positive step towards addressing a longstanding issue that has adversely affected businesses and households across Cameroon. However, the success of these efforts will depend on effective implementation strategies, collaboration with stakeholders, and a comprehensive approach to addressing underlying infrastructure and governance challenges within the energy sector.