Dja & Lobo: Minister pressures contractors to advance work on energy projects.

Minister Eloundou Essomba was at the extension site of the Ekombitié substation in Mbalmayo and the construction site of the future 90/30 kV electrical substation in Nkpwang. 

He was accompanied during the field visit by officials from the National Electricity Transmission Company, SONATREL; the Electricity Sector Regulatory Agency, ARSEL, administrative authorities, technical experts among others.

According to officials, the mission was to map out strategies to modernise electricity transmission infrastructure and strengthen the Southern Interconnected Grid, which supplies power to several localities in the South Region.

Minister Eloundou Essomba evaluated works on the first phase of the project to develop the 225 kV Ebolowa–Kribi and 90 kV Mbalmayo–Mekin transmission lines of the Nkpwang substation. 

Once completed, he said, the substation will be equipped with a 50 MVA transformer and eight 30 kV outgoing lines to enhance the performance and stability of the electricity network.

According to project engineers, the infrastructure will play a crucial role in reducing voltage drops that have long affected electricity consumers in Dja and Lobo Division.

The improvement, they stated, is expected to benefit households and social facilities by ensuring a more stable and reliable power supply.

Experts noted that beyond addressing current electricity challenges, the facility is also expected to strengthen the transit of energy generated by major hydroelectric projects to consumption centres. 

In the medium term, engineers said it will be capable of integrating additional production capacity, including energy expected from the future Chollet hydroelectric project.

The minister was told that the Nkpwang substation has reached an overall completion rate of 28 percent. They stated that earthworks have been fully completed, while drainage systems are 90 percent finished. 

The main electrical and electromechanical equipment, it was also said, has already undergone factory testing and is currently being shipped to Cameroon for installation.

During discussions with local communities, Minister Eloundou Essomba commended traditional authorities and residents for their cooperation and support to the project. 

He reiterated the government’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development with the protection of the rights of affected populations.

The minister also announced payments of compensations for persons impacted by the project this August. He explained that the compensation decree signed by the Prime Minister is already available and that funds already mobilised.

A pre-financing mechanism authorised by the Ministry of Finance, Eloundou Essomba noted, has also been put in place to facilitate prompt payments.

He instructed contractors and the control mission to intensify efforts and respect contract deadlines. He insisted on quality standards and effective coordination among stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the project.

The future transmission line linking Ndjom Yekombo to Mbalmayo through Nkpwang, he assured, will provide a lasting solution to electricity supply challenges in Dja and Lobo and improve the living conditions of the people.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3869 of Wednesday August 05, 2026