Multinational - Project to Interconnect the Power Grids from the Boali Hydro-Power System - Phase I

The Project consists of rehabilitating and strengthening Boali 1 (8.75 MW), Boali 2 (20 MW) and Boali 3 (10 MW) hydro-power plants in CAR as well as the Bangui (CAR), Zongo and Libenge (DRC) thermal power plants; build and strengthen the transmission grid with, in particular, a 110 kV line between Bangui and Libenge; rehabilitate and extend the distribution grid including the implementation of connections. It will be implemented in two phases. This phasing of the project is justified by the need to urgently respond to the calamitous situation regarding electric power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure in CAR, which no longer meets the needs for basic services such as drinking water supply. The first phase of the project mainly involves the rehabilitation and strengthening of generating units for the transmission and distribution of power. The second phase's major activity will be the construction of the 110 Kv line from Bangui and Libenge. Phase 1 involves the rehabilitation and strengthening of : i) the Boali power system's generating units ; ii) the 110 kV transmission line linking Boali to Bangui currently operated with 63 kV; (iii) the obsolete Bangui, Zongo and Libenge thermal generating plants; (iv) the electrification of CAR localities crossed by the lines, (v) the electrification of Zongo; and (v) building the human and technical capacity of ENERCA. Phase 2 consists of: (i) the construction of the 110/132 kV HV line from Bangui to Libenge and the related substations; and (ii) the electrification of 5 other localities in DRC crossed by this line.