Gouina

The Gouina Hydro Power Project (GHPP) is a trans-boundary initiative by the Senegal River Basin Organisation (OMVS), grouping Mali, Mauritania, Senegal and, since March 2006, Guinea. Its purpose is to supply renewable electricity to the four member states, currently facing a lack of production capacities and mainly relying on thermal production, which makes them very vulnerable to oil prices volatility. The project, located on a natural fall on the Senegal River, near Kayes, West of Mali, will use the water already processed and regularised by the Manantali dam, and is expected to become operational by 2013 at a cost of 250 million Euros.  Feasibility, Environmental and Social studies were completed in 2004 and 2006. However, complementary studies are required and will be financed by the ITF Grant:

A Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA), taking into account the cumulative impacts of the existing Manantali dam, the Félou project (being developed) and the GHPP;

Complementary Sociological studies for the finalisation of the Resettlement Action Plan and of the Cultural Properties Management Plan,

Environmental studies leading to the completion of a Management and Protection plan of the classified Bagouko Forest,

Finalization of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), of the Resettlement Plan (RP) and of the Cultural Properties Preservation Plan (CPPP). 

The OMVS will also benefit from the assistance of the nascent ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), which is also financed by the ITF, to improve cross-border exchanges.