(Business in Cameroon) - Named “Photovoltaic Power Plants 2020,” the project aims at constructing mini-plants to use solar energy in 250 localities across Cameroon. Estimated to cost CFAF 580 billion, the project would provide close to 500 megawatts of energy in rural areas specifically.

According to Cameroon Tribune, the project would provide 25,000 direct jobs and 4,000 indirect jobs.

As of now, recruitment of young Cameroonians is ongoing while results are expected by January 20, 2013. Reports say that the pilot phase will employ 1,000 people and will be launched in Sangmélima and Maroua. Other localities like Yingui, Meyomessala and Bengbis make up the five localities chosen for this phase and that have already sites handy, according to John Bothe Youtou, coordinator of the project, “at Sangmélima, we have 77 hectares, in Maroua, a little more than 200 and in all the cities involved in the project, we have land that the state has allocated to us.”

JV