(Business in Cameroon) - In the first half of January 2020, Cameroon will launch a vast operation aimed at building 65,000 new electric connections in rural zones. According to credible sources, these connections will be built in 465 communities and will provide electricity to 200,000 people from vulnerable social groups.

Sources close to the case reveal that this operation will be conducted in the framework of Preretd, an electricity transport and distribution network’s extension programme being implemented since 2010.

Estimated at about XAF41 billion, this project, co-funded by Cameroon, the World Bank Group and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is being implemented in eight of the ten regions of Cameroon (the Eastern region and Adamaoua are not included).

The component of this project that includes the construction of 65,000 new connections in rural areas is estimated at XAF9 billion. According to our sources, the contracts for its implementation have already been awarded to three companies and the required equipment ordered and should be available by mid-January 2020. According to the official chronogram, the works will be completed by June 2020.

This operation should slighting improve electricity access rate in rural areas in Cameroon. According to figures published by the rural electrification agency, only 22% of the country’s rural areas are connected to the power grid representing barely 20% of the nation’s electrification rate.

Brice R. Mbodiam