Kikot-Mbebe Hydro Power Project: Energy minister tasks new Managing Director to ensure completion.

This was during a ceremony to install Christophe Avognon to his functions.The minister reminded Avognon on the need for hard work to meet government’s expectations in delivering on the project.

Minister Eloundou Essomba reminded the new Managing Director of the project’s financial closing date of September 25, and the project’s delivery by 2030. Eloundou Essomba called for the putting in place of an organisational framework for the early completion of certain works.

The Kikot hydroelectric development project, the minister said, must be realised to ensure benefits for households without risk for the State. 

He reiterated the need to award 40% of the project's sub contracts to local companies. Given the expertise of the new project director, the minister expressed optimism that the project will be realised.

Eloundou Essomba also used the event to thank the outgoing project director, Marlène Biessy, for sustaining the project. 

It should be noted that well before the creation of KHPC on 25 September 2023, when she was appointed as the company's pioneer Managing Director, Biessy had previously been Director of the Kikot Hydroelectric Development Project.

Enter KHPC Board Chairperson

Speaking to the press, the Chairperson of the Board of Director of KHPC, Prof Ahmat Tom, described the new Managing Director as a talented engineer. 

With over 35 years of experience, Tom said the new Managing Director has what it takes to deliver in his new role. Tom also saluted the works of the outgone Managing Director, Marlène Biessy.

Christophe Avognon thanks gov’t for his endorsement 

The new Managing Director, meanwhile thanked the government for endorsing his candidacy. He further declared that: “I have worked in the EDF group for over 30 years as such this will be a great opportunity for me to continue my work and work for the development of this country”.

Outgoing director express gratitude

The outgone director, Marlène Biessy, expressed gratitude to stakeholders who worked with her during her time at the helm of the project.

Christophe Avognon in a nutshell 

Christophe Avognon holds a degree in Hydraulic Engineering from the Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble in France. 

He equally holds a postgraduate diploma from the Institut d'Administration des Entreprises, IAE. 

His professional experience spans over 35 years. He is said to have joined the Electricite du France, EDF in the 90s. EDF is a shareholder of the project.

About KHPC

The Kikot-Mbebe Hydro Power Company, KHPC was set up in September 2023 with the aim to design, develop, build and operate the Kikot-Mbebe hydroelectric project.

The project is expected to be constructed over the River Sanaga. It cuts across the Sanaga Maritime Division in the Littoral Region and the Nyong and Kelle, Lekie and Mbam and Inoubou divisions of the Centre Region. 

The projects whose works are expected to kick off in 2025 is expected to supply at least 500 megawatt of electricity by 2030. 

The main works consist of a retaining dam, a generating plant and a very high voltage transmission line.