Kinshasa, April 14th, 2025 (CPA). – The electrification of the city of Kisangani, capital of Tshopo province in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was at the heart of discussions on Saturday in Kinshasa, aimed at rebuilding and modernizing the Tshopo 1 hydroelectric power station, CPA learns from a press release from the Ministry in charge of Justice. “An important meeting was held at the Ministry of Justice, in the presence of several senior figures, including the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, the Minister of Portfolio, and the Minister in charge of Hydraulic Resources, to rebuild the Tshopo 1 dam”, read the Ministry in charge of Justice press release. According to the source, the project calls for several major actions, including the complete replacement of the three turbines at the Tshopo 1 dam; the 100% rehabilitation of the Tshopo 1 hydroelectric power station; and the modernization of the distribution infrastructure, including the primary high and low voltage substations. “This project, once completed, will generate a minimum capacity of 20 megawatts, an important energy contribution to support the economic and social development of Kisangani,” said the press release.
Promising mechanisms
The source also reported that an inter-ministerial decree is in the process of being signed. This will set up key mechanisms and a steering committee to oversee the work. The central role has been entrusted to the “Congo Energy” Company. “Congo Energy”, a company that has been working with National Electricy Company (Snel) for years on this project, has been chosen. The French Development Agency (AFD) has been asked to provide arbitration and ensure the credibility of the operations. According to the source, stable electrification of the town is expected as early as next July, with work due to start in two to three weeks’ time. The meeting was also attended by technical experts, including the Managing Director of the Special Fund for Reparation and Compensation for Victims of Uganda’s Armed Activities in the DRC (Frivao), national deputies from Tshopo province, the Managing Director of National Electricity Company (Snel), and the Managing Director of Congo Energy.ACP/