The new financing will improve the distribution system’s efficiency and reliability as well as help increase access to basic infrastructure services, safe drinking water and electricity in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire.
Additional funds for new activities will also be provided by the project in order to boost the electricity utility’s managerial, technical and commercial performances, which will set off the electricity portion of the ongoing water, electricity and urban development Project (PEEDU).
The Republic of Congo’s national electricity utility (SNE) will be provided with tools, through the additional financing, to improve the quality of services to its customers while enhancing overall efficiency, transparency and accountability of its performance in all business areas.
World Bank Republic of Congo country manager Sylvie Dossou said: "The electricity demand in these cities is expected to double in the next few years and the major transmission lines essential to supply power is not up to the standard to meet these needs.
"This project will support investments to retrofit or upgrade the infrastructure to improve operation and management of the power system."
The World Bank project task team leader Mahine Diop said: "Through investments targeted to improve the efficiency of electricity supply, the additional financing will help improve the financial viability of the sector, which in turn will reduce the power sector’s fiscal burden on the economy and create opportunities for social investments."
