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Mongabay
Mongabay
1w ago 15 views

Cameroon inaugurates controversial dam despite local dissent

Cameroon's Nachtigal dam inauguration boosts electricity supply but disrupts local livelihoods, leading to dissatisfaction among affected communities.
Cameroon inaugurates controversial dam despite local dissent
A What happened
The Nachtigal dam, inaugurated in Cameroon, is expected to supply around 30% of the country's electricity. However, local communities, particularly fishers and sand miners, have raised concerns over the loss of their livelihoods due to the dam's construction. Although the Nachtigal Hydro Power Company (NHPC) has implemented social projects and provided some compensation, many residents feel the support is insufficient. Complaints have emerged regarding ongoing power cuts and the inadequacy of compensation for lost income. An independent review indicated minimal hydrological impact, yet local fishers report dwindling fish stocks. The European Investment Bank and World Bank, major funders of the project, assert that sustainability standards were met, but community dissatisfaction persists, prompting calls for further evaluation of the dam's impacts.

Key insights

  • 1

    Local Dissent

    Communities express dissatisfaction with compensation and ongoing power issues.

  • 2

    Impact on Livelihoods

    Fishers and sand miners report significant income loss due to dam construction.

  • 3

    Sustainability Standards

    Funders claim compliance with sustainability principles despite local concerns.

Takeaways

The Nachtigal dam's inauguration highlights the complex balance between energy development and community welfare.