APA – Conakry (Guinea) Conakry has decided to develop the Koukoutamba hydroelectric dam on its own, even though the project was supported by the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS.)
The OMVS expressed “deep regret” at the transitional authorities’ decision to suspend the country’s participation in the sub-regional institution.
“The organization will work with its highest authorities to find appropriate solutions to the reasons given,” OMVS said on Thursday, July 20, 2023, in a statement sent to APA.
OMVS adds that it will continue to contribute to the economic and social development of the Senegal River basin in line with the objectives for which it was created.
Guinea decides to go it alone
OMVS’s attempt at appeasement does not seem to be going down well i Conakry at the moment. At a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Thursday July 20, the head of the transition instructed the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy to propose a new resizing of the Koukoutamba dam, now declared to be in the public interest.
“The dimensions carried out on behalf of OMVS will be abandoned. Guinea will develop the dam,” announced Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, minister and spokesman for the transition government.
Guinea blames OMVS for the delay in financing this hydroelectric facility in the north of the country.
As far as Conakry is concerned, it is unacceptable that Guinea’s resources should remain in a project state for 20 or 30 years, when “we have energy needs,” lamented Mr. Diallo, adding that “the share requested from these countries (Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania) for the construction of the Koukoutamba dam is very marginal.”
“The bulk of the financing is a concessional loan of around $150 to $200 million. If these countries are unable to put their hands in their pockets, Guinea will take its responsibilities,” government
spokesman Bernard Goumou warned.
Further on, the spokesman added that if the OMVS needs Guinea’s energy, “it must put money in to ensure that Guinea enjoys its natural resources,” he argued.
With regard to a possible reversal of Guinea’s decision, the spokesman for the transition government did not want to be clear.
He suggested that if Guinea’s demands are met, the situation could change.
ASD/ac/fss/as/APA