Cameroon Switches to Concrete Poles to Enhance Electricity Supply

Cameroon has begun a project to produce 50,000 concrete poles to replace wooden ones in an effort to enhance electricity transportation nationwide and ensure a more stable supply.

Recently in Souza, Littoral Region, the Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, technically inspected a production plant run by Société Camerounaise de Construction Préfabricée (SCCP), which will carryout the production.

The first phase of the project, which has already kicked off, is targeting 10,000 poles.

The Water and Energy Minister was at Souza to ensure that quality standards are rigorously observed, given that these poles will play a vital role in strengthening the national electricity grid.

Minister Eloundou Essomba said it is imperative that manufacturing protocols be respected to guarantee the quality and compliance of the poles.

“ENEO, as both project manager and beneficiary, must ensure the strict application of these standards to ensure the reliability of our electricity grid,” he stated.

The factory displayed manufactured concrete poles to the Minister and his team for observation and evaluation. The African Development Bank will finance the project, which will cost FCFA 9.5 billion.

Ensuring Stabile Electricity Supply

Wooden poles have historically contributed enormously to electricity cuts, which have become frequent in Cameroon.

Though cheap to acquire, they age easily and require constant maintenance.

Aside from that, they are not strong enough to withstand the weight of some cables.

It is very common for neighbourhoods to stay out of electricity because a wooden pole collapsed and disconnected the cables.

According to statistics, there are over 1.6 million wooden poles transporting electricity nationwide. The data indicates that over 40 percent of those poles are in bad shape, accounting for numerous power outages.

However, that is about to change with the switch to concrete poles; it will reduce the stress and rigorous maintenance and ensure stable transportation.

Project to Save Trees

The complete switch from wooden to concrete poles will contribute enormously to forest conservation.

Though over 80 percent of the Cameroonian population still relies on wood energy, the reduction will mean a great deal.

Equally, a constant power supply, enhanced by long lasting concrete poles, could also reduce the reliance on forest wood for household fuel.

The forest remains a vital resource for human survival. According to the UN, forests contribute to soil and water conservation, carbon storage and clean air as they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen for humans.