Fatshimetrie: A Fund for the Electrification of Kisangani
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has just taken a crucial decision to meet the energy needs of its population. Indeed, the government has announced the provision of a fund of fifty million dollars from the Reparation and Compensation Fund for Victims of Illicit Activities in Uganda (FRIVAO) for the electrification of the city of Kisangani. This initiative follows the urgent requests of the inhabitants of this city, affected by the consequences of the six-day war between the Rwandan and Ugandan armies.
The Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Constant Mutamba, specified that this fund is in addition to the nine million dollars already allocated to this objective. This funding aims to alleviate the chronic energy deficit suffered by Kisangani, by improving its electricity supply.
The National Electricity Company (SNEL) has been designated to effectively manage these funds. During a meeting with parliamentarians from Tshopo, SNEL Director General Fabrice Lusinde guaranteed efficient use of financial resources. He also discussed a stabilization plan that includes repairing dilapidated infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of investments.
The parliamentarians expressed satisfaction with the commitments made by SNEL. Justin Bandesana, President of the National Deputies Caucus, stressed the importance of prioritizing to ensure that these funds truly benefit the people of Kisangani.
At the same time, national and international experts are working on the feasibility of a new hydroelectric plant in Kisangani, a project that could significantly increase the region’s electricity capacity. The total funding required to rehabilitate the Tshopo 1 hydroelectric plant and build Tshopo 2 is estimated at $120 million. Local elected officials are exploring various sources of funding, including public-private partnerships, to support this ambitious project.
In a context where electricity has become a major concern for the inhabitants of Kisangani, these investments raise hopes for a rapid improvement in living conditions in the region. Local authorities are optimistic about the positive impact that these measures will have on the economic and social development of Kisangani, thus offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
In conclusion, with these initiatives for the electrification of Kisangani, the Congolese government is demonstrating its willingness to meet the growing needs for electricity and to guarantee a better future for the inhabitants of this city. These investments represent a significant step forward in the establishment of sustainable infrastructure and in the improvement of the living conditions of the local population.