Mefou & Akono: Energy minister commissions two solar power plants.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 8. It was in the presence of administrative, traditional and political authorities and beneficiary populations.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony in Songmimbias, the minister noted that the plants are part of a project to provide electricity to 1,000 communities through solar energy. 

Minister Eloundou Essomba said government prioritises electricity that is reliable and affordable.  The member of government said so far, there have been 350 solar power plants installed, providing electricity to around 27,500 households. 

He said the third phase of the project underway includes the construction of 87 solar power plants using innovative technology to serve communities.

The plant in Songmimbias, he detailed, covers 900 square meters and has lithium battery with a capacity of 161.3 kilowatt-hours just like that in Nkelassi. He said the facilities will provide electricity to approximately 135 households.

Eloundou Essomba said the spinoffs of the plants will be felt in the areas of education, healthcare, public service and private investments.

While inaugurating the Nkelassi plant, Minister Eloundou Essomba said it is “a concrete demonstration of the Head of State’s commitment to bring quality and sustainable energy to every corner of Cameroon”.

He expressed gratitude to local authorities and HUAWEI Technologies for executing the project. The minister expressed delight that the HUAWEI Technologies has become a major partner of the Rural Electrification Agency in fulfilling government’s vision.

Eloundou Essomba told the population that the plant will open opportunities for growth and development. He assured the public that the plants were built using the latest technology in solar power. 

According to the minister, the new technology offers batteries with a lifespan exceeding 10 years, improved safety standards, and higher power output to meet the need of communities.

Need for responsible management

The minister urged the communities to responsibly use the solar plants put at their disposal. He reminded residents that the facilities are public assets that must be preserved to serve future generations.

He encouraged the population to adopt energy-efficient habits such as using low-consumption bulbs and turning off lights in unused rooms to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

Mayor sizes up benefits 

The Mayor of Bikok Council, Grescence Ottou, said the facilities mark a major shift in improving the living conditions of the population. 

"With electricity, our children will be able to do their homework and women will be able to better store their goods and engage in income generating activities," the mayor said.

Ottou praised President Paul Biya and the government for listening to the plight of the population. She appealed for similar plants to be constructed in other villages in the municipality.

Enter HUAWEI representative

The Vice President of the HUAWEI Technologies of Central Africa, that constructed the plants, Hu Xiafeng, hailed the population for their hospitality and contributions to the success of the project.

Xiafeng said the plants have resulted in the lighting of classrooms, streets and boosting of socioeconomic activities.

He said thanks to HUAWEI, rural electrification is no longer a myth.  Xiafeng said the company is happy to be part of Cameroon’s rural development story. He appealed to the population to protect the investment.

Beneficiary population thanks gov’t

On behalf of the population, retired Captain Tabi Isidore thanked the Head of State for the project. He said it is a new dawn for Nkelassi where he grew up in darkness. Tabi nonetheless appealed to government for the provision of potable water.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3589 of Thursday October 09, 2025