CLSG Interconnection

This interconnection project will consist of the construction of approximately 1100 km of high voltage transmission lines, as well as the extension of existing, alternatively construction of new, high voltage substations in Man (Ivory Coast); in Sannequille, Buchanan, and Monrovia (Liberia); in Nzérékore and Linsan (Guinea); in Bumbuna (Sierra Leone). The project is critical for the reconstruction efforts currently underway in the post-conflict countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and the forest region of Guinea. One of WAPP's priorities is to interconnect these countries with the Ivory Coast in order to allow mutually beneficial power exchanges and a reliable electricity supply fostering economic growth and consolidating the fragile peace that has been achieved so far in these countries.

A major development impact of the project will be the alleviation of energy shortages, which are a recurring problem in several West African States and an impediment to economic development. In turn, this lack of economic development is a major contributor to the conflicts and political instability that have characterised this region in recent years. The project will benefit three of the poorest states in the West Africa region and enhance cooperation in a region that has been marred by dramatic conflicts. 

For the preparation of this project an ITF Grant of up to 3 million Euros was made available for the financing of the feasibility study and the ESIA. The studies are in the process of being completed.  The balance for the Grant will be used to finance an extension of the terms of reference of the feasibility study in order to assess the connection of the Kaleta hydropower site in Guinea to the interconnection on the one hand and to finance the preparation of functional bidding documents for the project.  These studies are expected to be finalised by the end of the first quarter 2012.  

A second grant of up to 1,75 million Euros was made available for the financing of the owner's engineer (OE) until the award of the EPC contracts for the project (EUR 1.5 M) and temporary capacity reinforcement of the WAPP initially and of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at a later stage, for the duration of the technical assistance, amounting to EUR 250,000. The bidding procedure for the recruitment of the OE is expected to be launched during the first quarter of 2012.

The availability of electricity is not only a pre-requisite for a recovery of economic activity but it also affects the general sense amongst civil society of progress and improvement in the standard of living which is essential for the continued stability in these countries The Trust Fund's support to the different stages of this important project will have been a crucial catalyst for its preparation and implementation.