On the occasion of the closure of the 2nd National Civil Society Forum on Energy held on Friday, August 24, 2024, CORAP organized a field visit to explore two major energy projects in Kinshasa: the Ndjili Brasserie project and the Maluku Special Economic Zone. This excursion allowed participants to gain a better understanding of the challenges and achievements within the Congolese energy sector.
The first stop of the visit took participants to the Ndjili Brasserie site, where the project involves tapping into the Inga-Shaba power line to provide electricity to rural areas of Kinshasa. Under ANSER’s guidance, visitors observed facilities equipped with advanced technologies that enable households to manage their electricity consumption transparently and efficiently. According to an ANSER engineer, “There are many sites where we have already begun work, such as here in Ndjili. We have identified the network located in Lemba Imbu, about 5 km from where we tapped into the line to the facility here. So, work has already started here. The same tapping technology is also planned for Batakela and in Congo Central. Soon, we will tap into Tchela and electrify 5 to 6 villages. This concerns tapping, but a network must first exist.” This innovation promises to transform electricity access in the city’s peripheral neighborhoods.
The delegation then proceeded to the Maluku Special Economic Zone. Mr. Hippolyte Magogo Mbwizya, Deputy General Director of AZES, provided detailed explanations about the crucial role of this zone in reducing the cost of living and creating jobs. Visitors learned that, despite challenges such as insufficient electricity and investor concerns, the zone represents significant potential for economic development, as evidenced by the established businesses, including tile production factories and the Pepsi plant.
Three testimonies gathered during the visit reflect the impact of this initiative:
Blaise BIMWALA, a sustainable development expert from the Luosi territory in Congo Central, stated: “The visit allowed me to see the progress made in the energy sector, particularly the effectiveness of the new technologies implemented by ANSER. However, challenges related to energy coverage in economic zones require innovative solutions.”
Master Raphael OKONDA, Executive Director of the Environmental Impact Study NGO, added: “The discovery of the Maluku Special Economic Zone was enlightening. The job creation opportunities are impressive, though electricity supply issues need to be addressed to maximize this potential.”
Gaston VELO, a renewable energy specialist, concluded: “This visit not only highlighted significant advancements but also the obstacles to overcome. Projects like ANSER’s are crucial for sustainable growth, but increased efforts are needed to resolve ongoing energy issues.”
The visit to the energy projects organized by CORAP provided an enriching overview of the challenges and successes in the sector. It highlighted the importance of ongoing initiatives while pointing out areas for improvement to support the region’s sustainable development. The commitment of the involved parties and the transparency of the projects promise a more promising energy future for Kinshasa.
By the Editorial Team
