New Transformer Arrives in Mutengene After Blackout Protest

By MMI

A video circulating online, which we have confirmed, shows a transformer being unloaded from a truck in Mutegene, in Cameroon’s Southwest region.

The transformer was installed following a protest that saw the National Road Number 8 blocked by the Mutegene population that has been without electricity for more than nine months.

The arrival of the transformer triggered jubilation in the locality. The people gathered near the truck shouting and screaming, feeling relieved electricity would finally be restored.

Tuesday Protest

On Tuesday, they besieged the highway linking Douala, Buea and Limbe. That halted movement caused hours of traffic.

They had peace plants in their hands and asked for one thing: the return of electricity. That compelled the Divisional Officer of Tiko to immediately intervene. 

Addressing the population, the DO promised that transformers were on the way to resolve the problem. The people listened and went home. 

The Energy of Cameroon (ENEO) that same day announced that 17 transformers were en route to the South West region to stem electricity challenges experienced by Buea and Mutengene.

ENEO Under Cameroon’s Ownership

Recently, the Cameroon government acquired the shares of Actis, a British company, becoming the largest majority shareholder at Eneo.

That deal gave back control of the electricity company to the state following privatisation in 2001.

The Ministry of Water and Energy has pledged to tackle the major challenges encountered by the electricity company. The Minister equally promised to ensure transparency and fight corruption within the sector.

Many had hoped that the signing of the convention will see a speedy resolution of electricity challenges. 

In Buea and some parts of the region, people have gone for months without electricity. It is either the transformer that has an issue or an electricity pole has fallen.

Eneo is now switching to concrete poles instead of wooden ones.