The construction of the Zongo II hydropower plant in Central Kongo Province was based on a poorly evaluated project, both technically and financially. This is revealed by a study conducted by the Center for Studies and Research on Renewable Energy Kinshasa (CERERK). The results were presented by the researcher, Kitsisa Khonde, this Wednesday, July 10, 2019. It was during a ceremony that took place in the conference room of the hotel Bella Riva in the commune of Gombe in Kinshasa.

The objective of the study was to verify whether the plant will achieve its energy production and economic gain objectives in favor of the DRC. On the other hand, it was a matter of reassuring that the project could serve as an example in the design and implementation of similar projects in the country. Hence, the question of whether the project was a model to follow.

« The project costs have been underestimated. In addition, construction work on the Zongo II power plant was initiated without all studies being properly completed, verified and approved by the appropriate expertise. The consequences were detrimental: a remarkable delay in the duration of the work planned for a period of three years, from March 14, 2012 to March 14, 2015, before being reviewed for four years, and finally for six years, because of the problems the suspension of the work, « reports the CERERK study.

Apart from the fact that the project was poorly evaluated, this Research Center indicates that this project remains unsatisfactory, poorly planned and incomplete. Notwithstanding these two negative aspects, the CERERK experts believe that Zongo II is an encouraging project.

« Indeed, in terms of the acquisition of a new power generation tool and energy transmission lines, Zongo II is an example to be encouraged for our country which, despite its energy potential in this area, still ranks among the countries least served in electricity, its electrification rate is around 14%. Zongo II arrives, 30 years after the last plant built in the DRC, that of Mobayi Mbongo, inaugurated in 1998 in the province of North Ubangi, « says the study.

Although the initiative to build a new hydroelectric power station is to be encouraged, the study suggests that such a project must be conducted in a rigorous planning and governance process to allow for optimization at the same time. benefit of the country and its people.

As a reminder, on Friday, June 22, 2018, the Zongo II hydroelectric plant was inaugurated by Joseph Kabila, then President of the Republic. This plant was under construction since 2012 by the Chinese company Sino Hydro.

The Zongo II plant consists of three machines each of which is capable of producing 50 MW. It has, according to its manufacturer, a power of more than 150 megawatts. The total cost of the works is estimated at 360 000 000 USD.

Started in 2012, the work of Zongo II should be completed in December 2015. Curiously, it is in 2017 that the work of this plant was « completed ». It should be noted that this CERERK study was conducted prior to the inauguration of Zongo II.

Olivier KAMO