Introduction of regulations on dam safety

A dam-building project brings multiple benefits to the host region or nation, but also risks for neighbouring populations and impacts on the environment. Whether to produce water for irrigation, to generate energy or to protect against flooding, dams have repercussions, both positive and negative, that are likely to upset the local socio-economic and environmental balance in the medium to long term. This is why dam designers strive to reconcile technical, economic, environmental and safety issues in the decision-making process prior to implementation.

In Cameroon, the issue of dam safety arises because the country has embarked on a major programme to build new dams to meet the ever-increasing demand for water and electricity, and to connect new areas in the country and in the Central African sub-region. In addition, some old dams are posing safety problems due to their advanced age and/or lack of maintenance, or because the original design has now been exceeded.

In February 2018, the World Bank signed an agreement with EDC, Cameroon’s national electricity operator, to implement the ‘PATDHS’, the Technical Assistance Project for the Development of Hydroelectricity on the Sanaga River. This river represents around 75% of the region’s hydroelectric potential. The ARMP of Cameroon obtained a credit of 24.9 million euros from the IDA to finance the PATDHS-UGP MINEE issued in August 2021, an ASMI for consultancy services relating to the implementation of regulations on dam safety with 6 components. The Republic of Cameroon planned to use part of the funding to set up a regulatory framework for dam safety in Cameroon.

This ASMI was then accompanied by another to recruit a consultant in charge of the financial and accounting audit.

The aim is to

• introduce regulations on dams in Cameroon (roles and scope of intervention of stakeholders), and
• train MINEE administrative staff (capacity building).

Along with the law firm Hector Farina Conseil, a Cameroonian law firm and the local branch of the French engineering firm ISL, INRAE was part of the consortium that responded. In February 2022, the consortium’s bid was finally selected. Two INRAE experts were involved in the project.