The World Bank-funded Technical Assistance Project for Hydropower Development on the Sanaga River (PATDHS) has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in Cameroon’s efforts to harness its vast hydropower potential.

The project, which aimed to strengthen the government’s capacity to sustainably develop hydropower resources, has produced a series of recommendations to guide future initiatives.

With a total cost of US$26.4 million, the PATDHS has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of the Ministry of Water and Energy (MINEE) and the Electricity Development Corporation (EDC). The project has delivered a comprehensive set of recommendations, including the establishment of a Sanaga Basin Agency to manage water resources and make efficient decisions for hydropower development, and the rehabilitation of existing dams to improve water regulation.

Other key recommendations include the creation of a dam safety panel and an environmental and social panel, the updating of national environmental and social standards, and the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue on the electricity sector.

The World Bank has been urged to continue supporting the government in implementing these recommendations, particularly in terms of creating the necessary legal and regulatory framework for the sustainable development of hydropower.

The project has also resulted in the training of over 100 individuals in hydropower-related topics and the completion of numerous studies on the hydropower potential of the Sanaga River. Moreover, a monitoring and evaluation system for hydropower projects has been established.