Restart of Figuil plant: Minister reassures CIMENCAM of government’s support.

Minister Gaston Eloundou Essomba gave the assurance during an audience granted a delegation from Lafarge Cameroon, CIMENCAM, in Yaounde, on June 10.

The meeting focused on the suspension of activities at the Figuil plant in the North Region. The plant according to its management halted production on June 4 due to an insufficient power supply. 

The exchange provided an opportunity for both parties to examine the causes of the crisis and explore measures aimed at mitigating its economic impact while ensuring a gradual return to normal operations.

According to a note from the communication team of the ministry, the power shortage is linked to the declining water level at the Lagdo hydroelectric dam, the principal source of electricity for the Northern Interconnected Network. 

Poor rainfall recorded across the Benue basin, we gathered has significantly reduced the dam’s reservoir level to 206.9 meters, just above the alert threshold of 206.7 meters.

The reduced water volume has considerably weakened the dam’s electricity generation capacity, increasing pressure on the power grid that supplies the Adamawa, North and Far North regions. 

As a consequence, industries dependent on the network, including CIMENCAM’s Figuil plant, have experienced major operational challenges.

Recognising the economic implications of the shutdown, Minister Eloundou Essomba reassured the CIMENCAM delegation that government is fully mobilised to address the situation.

He announced that consultations would be initiated with Cameroon Electricity Corporation, SOCADEL to examine possibilities for making additional power available to facilitate the gradual resumption of activities at the Figuil facility while respecting the technical limitations of the existing grid.

The minister also reiterated government’s continues commitment to implement costly thermal power generation measures to reduce the impact of the current electricity deficit and maintain supply to affected areas.

He equally expressed optimism that the situation would improve through ongoing investments in the energy sector.

He cited among them the projects expected to strengthen electricity supply through the commissioning of Phase II of the Maroua and Guider solar power plants and the continued implementation of the interconnection project linking the Southern and Northern Interconnected Networks. 

According to the official, construction works on the interconnection project have already reached approximately 40 percent completion.

The minister further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining permanent dialogue with investors and supporting companies facing exceptional circumstances in order to safeguard economic activity and preserve employment.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3818 of Monday June 15, 2026