An important roundtable on the development of the hydroelectricity potential of the Inga in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) wound up on Friday in Johannesburg.
Participants from government, regional economic organizations, donors, the private sector, regional power pools and civil society organizations discussed the terms of reference for a feasibility study on the hydro-electric potential of the Grand Inga. Experts believe that when fully developed, the Inga could produce about 40,000 megawatts of electricity, allowing the DRC to become a major exporter of energy to other countries in the region. Vice President Mandla Gantsho, who led the Bank’s delegation to the meeting, told a press conference in Johannesburg on Friday that the Inga provided an opportunity to facilitate access to electric power and accelerate the continent’s integration process. He said the Bank was willing to assist the DRC in the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure in the country while exploring possibilities for joint action with potential investors and development partners.
Additional information:
African Development Bank
News date:
06/10/2006
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