In the Central African Republic, residents of Boali, 95 kilometers north of Bangui, are worried about the unprecedented drying up of Lake Mbali. This drying up, caused by the effects of climate change, risks having a serious impact on electricity production in this city and even in the capital. The general management of Central African Energy (Enerca), the only company that supplies electricity in the country, reports the reduction in capacity of its power plants installed on this lake.
2 min
With our correspondent in Bangui, Rolf-Steve Domia-leu
Right in the middle of Lake Mbali, we come across Pierre’s team who are fishing with a pirogue.
Aged 54, he has been practicing this profession for thirty years. Previously, the lake level was not like thishe assures. Although we are in the rainy season, it has seriously decreased. If there is no change, electricity production will take a hit. “.
Since its creation in 1967, Enerca has supplied the towns of Boali, Bangui and surrounding villages, with three hydroelectric power stations installed on this lake.
The drying up of water worries Béranger, an economic operator: “ Electricity is important for my welding shop. Not only that, but institutions: hospitals and almost all businesses depend on it. For now, we have no other source of energy than that. »
Seven months after its transition from analogue to digital, Enerca is now facing the consequences of climate change. Thierry Patient Bendima, its CEO, explains: ” In the context of climate change, we have noticed that the level of the lake has dropped drastically this year. This is also due to the delay in rainfall. This will have an impact on hydroelectric production. We are forced to open a valve to release the water, which would disrupt the supply of electricity to Bangui. »
To get around this phenomenon, it is important to use solar power plants according to some Enerca officials.
Read alsoAfrica economy – Energy at any price [1/5] In Central Africa, a second solar power plant, but how effective is it?