World Bank approves Niger Basin development loan

The World Bank has approved a US$ 203 million loan to the Niger Basin Water Resources Development and Sustainable Ecosystems Management Program. which will include funding for the Kandadji Program, which aims to increase food production, generate more electricity, boost jobs, and create economic opportunities for families and communities in the countries of the Niger Basin.

Developments that form part of the Kandadji Program include the Kandadji Dam, a power plant, transmission line and irrigation for farms. The aim of the developments is to provide secure water storage, improved irrigation, and significantly increased renewable hydropower energy by up to 130 MW.

The Kandadji Dam is scheduled for completion in 2013.