Tubi Tubidi, a hydroelectric power plant located in the Kasaï-Oriental province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is expanding. The National Electricity Company (SNEL) recently undertook work to install electricity poles in the region to provide a new power line linking Boya to the Tubi Tubidi power station. However, this work has had consequences for the inhabitants of the region.
At least 100 people were directly impacted by the installation of the electric poles. Some have lost part of their cassava or corn fields which were their main source of income. Others had to relocate to get away from the newly installed power line. Faced with these losses, SNEL decided to compensate those affected.
The process of identifying compensation beneficiaries is underway in the territories of Miabi, Kabeya Kamwanga and Lupatapata. SNEL takes into account the damage suffered on a case-by-case basis in order to determine the amount of compensation. Although the total amount of the envelope intended for this operation is not revealed, the objective is to repair the damage suffered by the people concerned.
The new Tubi Tubidi power line will provide 3 megawatts of power to serve the city of Mbuji-Mayi and surrounding areas. This will constitute a significant step forward in terms of access to electricity in the region, and will contribute to the socio-economic development of these areas.
Compensation for people affected by the installation of electric poles is an important step in taking into account the social and economic consequences of this type of project. SNEL thus demonstrates its desire to repair the damage suffered by the region’s inhabitants and to promote responsible and sustainable development.
In conclusion, the installation of electric poles for the new line linking Boya to the Tubi Tubidi hydroelectric power station had significant consequences for the inhabitants of the region. However, SNEL is putting in place a compensation process for those affected, thus demonstrating its commitment to responsible and sustainable development.