The hydroelectric dams of the Minière de Bakwanga (MIBA) in Kasai-Oriental are the subject of great attention from the government. Indeed, during his oral presentation before the provincial assembly, the Minister of Finance, Nicolas Kazadi, revealed that rehabilitation work is underway to revive these infrastructures, in order to produce 30 megawatts of electrical energy.
According to Nicolas Kazadi, the government has already allocated a sum of 1.5 million USD for the rehabilitation of one of the three MIBA hydroelectric dams. He explains that this initiative is part of the region’s mining revival, but also with the aim of providing electricity to the population and supporting the province’s economy.
The three dams which are affected by this rehabilitation work are the Tshiala, Lubilanji 1 and Lubilanji 2 dams, located in the Katanda territory. The Minister of Finance says that these infrastructures, once rehabilitated, could produce more than 30 megawatts of energy.
In addition to the rehabilitation of the dams, the government has also committed to mobilizing between 40 and 50 million USD to contribute to the repayment of MIBA’s debt. Thus, this initiative aims not only to revive mining production, but also to support MIBA financially.
Nicolas Kazadi underlines the importance of this rehabilitation work for the region. In addition to meeting the energy needs of mining activities, these dams will also be able to provide electricity to the local population, thus improving living conditions and promoting economic development.
The rehabilitation of MIBA’s hydroelectric dams marks a clear desire by the government to stimulate the energy sector and support the economic development of the Kasai-Oriental province. This work will not only meet the region’s energy needs, but also create jobs and boost economic activity.