Ivory Coast builds a large hydroelectric power station with China’s assistance
Ivory Cost has just recorded another success in electricity expansion. The Soubre hydroelectric power station in Ivory Coast, which was supported by a Chinese company has begun operation. This has no doubt led to an expanded electricity coverage which has added more advantages to the users.
In addition, the formal opening of the station was attended by Amadou Gon Coulibaly, prime minister of Ivory Coast. The station was expected to generate 275MW, according to the Chinese news agency, Xinhua. With an installed capacity of 275 MW, the 4.5-km-long Soubre dam is the largest of its kind by far in Ivory Coast. Also, it was revealed that the construction of the station $572million. Reports show that the construction of the dam in the south western part of the country, began in February 2013 stating that water from the dam comes from River Sassandra.
Reports also confirmed that the station started producing power on 25 May 2017, eighth months ahead of schedule which explains how effective the station will serve the country. It was built by Sinohydro Corporation Limited, which is under PowerChina.
In response to this development, Chinese Ambassador to Cote d’lvoire Tang Weibin said:
“the completion of the power station would greatly improve the power supply in the country, providing solid foundation for the industries, including mining, in the country to develop and injecting vitality into its socioeconomic development in the long run.”
“The project also laid foundation for China and Cote d’Ivoire to strengthen their cooperation,” said Tang, who described the power station as a benchmark achievement of the bilateral cooperation stating that the citizens stand a very large chance to benefit from the station.
From all around the world, there have been commendations on the station as it is really a great deal to the develoment of the country. Reports confirmed that the power station has won applause from international experts. The hydroelectric project is “of high quality,” said Alexis Tesson, a design engineer with Tractebel Engineering. However, Tesson has been working on site for about three years and is in charge of quality control. He applauded the “China speed” displayed in the construction of the power station.
Ivory coast was financally assisted by the chinease government. The Chinese government was said to have provided 85 per cent of the funding, while Ivory Coast provided 15 percent. The government of Ivory Coast has revealed that it will sell part of the electricity produced to Ghana, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea which is a way to generate revenue for the country’s growth and development.