China to loan Ivory coast XOF336bn for electricity, water

The Ivory Coast Council of Ministers has ratified a 2019 loan of XOF335.7bn ($5.5m) from the Exim Bank of China, set to be used to fund drinking water schemes in 12 towns, and the 112 MW Gribo Popoli hydroelectric project. It was reported the Ivorian government was mandated to select a Chinese company to oversee the projects.

The government of Ivory Coast held its first 2020 Council of Ministers on Wednesday, January 8. This was an opportunity to promulgate several decrees, some of which ratified the two loan agreements on the part of Exim Bank of China. The two loans were granted to the Ivory Coast by the Chinese development bank in 2019 to finance several drinking water and electricity projects.

Regarding drinking water, Exim Bank of China granted 166.3 billion CFA francs (‘253.5 million) to the State. The funds will be used to finance the project to strengthen the drinking water supply in twelve towns: Bouaflé, Daloa (centre-west), Divo, Grand-Lahou (south), Katiola (centre-north), Mankono, Boundiali, Odienné, Séguéla, Touba (north), Sassandra (south-west) and Tanda (east).

As a result of this project, surface water treatment plants (rivers), ground and elevated reservoirs and pipelines will be built. In the towns concerned by the project, water networks will be extended. According to the government, the new facilities will benefit 3 million people.

Funds for the Gribo Popoli dam

The other decree signed by the government of Ivory Coast ratifies a loan of 169.4 billion CFA francs (‘258.2 million). This sum is earmarked for the implementation of the Gribo Popoli hydroelectric project. Unsurprisingly, the Ivorian government has entrusted its construction to the Chinese company Sinohydro.

“This project on the Sassandra River downstream of the Soubré dam site will increase the share of hydroelectric power generation in the generating fleet by 112 MW of power and 580 GWH of output. It will also help to reduce the average cost of kWh generated across the entire park,” explains Sidi Touré, spokesman for the government.

The overall hydropower project developed in the south of Ivory Coast will require an investment of €276.6 million. The availability of the funds will allow construction work to start, which will last 40 months.

Jean Marie Takouleu