Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Drinking Water and Electricity Emergency Program
Loan No: 535 Interest Rate: 2.5 %
Beneficiary: SNDE and SOMELEC Grace Period: 7 years
Project Cost: KD 35.9 million Maturity: 25 years
Amount of Loan: KD 10.0 million Repayment: 37 semi-annual installments
Date of Board Approval: 2008-07-02 First Installment: 7 years following the first disbursement
Date of Loan Agreement: 2008-07-02 Date of Loan Effectiveness: -

Objectives:

The project aims at addressing the severe shortage in the supply of drinking water and electric energy in the city of Nouakchott, and satisfying a portion of the growing demand for electric power and energy in the city. This will be accomplished through supplying electric power to water pumping and treatment stations, and by raising the electric generating capacity in the main Nouakchott power station by adding heavy fuel oil diesel generating units having a total capacity of 24 MW.

Description:

The project, which is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2010, includes acquisition and installation of high and medium voltage power overhead lines, underground cables, and substations and their accessories to supply power to water pumping and treatment stations of Aftout Es-Saheli project. The project also includes leasing up to two years, or purchasing, additional power generating units, and connecting them to the city’s transmission network. The project consists of two components:

  1. Drinking Water Works:This includes acquisition and installation and civil works of two substations in the cities of Rosso and Beni Neji. The project also includes constructing a 51 km 90 kV overhead transmission line to link the cities of Rosso and Beni Neji, in addition to constructing a 10 km 33 kV line. A 33 kV underground cable will also be laid down to supply power from the central Nouakchott power station to the pumping station at PK 17.
  2. Electrical Works:This includes raising the installed power generating capacity in Nouakchott central power station by adding heavy fuel oil diesel generating units with capacities totaling 24 MW, and transformers and all their accessories, and connecting them to the 33 kV city’s power transmission network. The project also includes acquisition, installation, and consultancy services for adding a new substation.

Financing:

The Arab Fund’s loan covers about 27.9% of the total project cost. The Mauritanian Government will cover the remaining project cost and any additional cost that may arise.