The partnership that was signed between the German Development Cooperation (GiZ) and Cameroon's power utility corporation, AES-Sonel, in December 2011 to support sustainable economic development as well as ameliorate the social climate in local communities around the Songloulou Hydroelectric Dam entered into effect on May 25, 2012.
Financed by the German Ministry of Cooperation and Economic Development to the tune of FCFA 256 million, smallholder farmers in the sectors of banana and plantain, livestock and fishing who demonstrate interest, will benefit from the scheme. AES-Sonel, on its part, will offer a vehicle and a driver, an office, lodging and nutrition, logistics and the money to start the project. The partnership's main objective is to promote economic development and improve on the social climate in the Massok-Songloulou and Pouma Sub-divisions that are near the hydroelectric dam.
Following studies in the communities, it was found that agriculture accounts for 70 per cent of all income-generating activities in Pouma and 75 per cent in Massok-Songloulou. Livestock farming and fishing account for 18 per cent of activities in Massok-Songloulou. "We are going to evaluate which local projects are feasible and their economic profitability," Engelberg Walter, Director of GiZ Cameroon, underscored.
While offering funds for two micro projects to illustrate good practices, the agreement seeks to strengthen the capacities of the public and community organisations. Local self-help groups are expected to make use of the project to generate income through the use of modern technologies. This is with a view of encouraging the development of entrepreneurial and commercial skills as well as boost production and sales.
Mayor Soman François of the Pouma Council and Mayor Ntock Daniel of Massok Council expressed doubt that the expected outcome might not be fully attained given that access by road to their municipalities is still an issue to be dealt with. Farmers, they said, still face the challenge of getting their produce to other cities such as Douala, Yaounde, and Kribi in spite of their strategic positions.
The ceremony that took place in the conference hall of the Songloulou Hydroelectric Station, also witnessed the inauguration of the newly equipped ultra-modern transformer at Massok. The General Manager of AES-Sonel, David Bile said the transformer, wholly funded by AES-Sonel, will serve the energy needs of the population and industries in the area.
