On the 2nd of February 2024, João Baptista Borges, the Minister of Energy and Water, delivered an update on the progress of the Caculo Cabaça hydroelectric dam project, situated in the Cambambe district of Kwanza Norte. This came after a consultative session with the project’s Technical Committee. Borges highlighted significant advancement in the excavation of the water return tunnels and the tunnel that provides access to the generator hall, both crucial structures extending five kilometers in length and 16 meters in width, intended for turbine installation. He pointed out that the construction of one tunnel has progressed to 22%, while the other is at 11% completion.
Addressing the complexities involved in tunnel excavation, Borges mentioned that the difficulties encountered could potentially delay subsequent phases of the hydroelectric project, making it necessary to revise the project timeline to adhere to set deadlines. He identified unanticipated technical and geological challenges encountered during the early stages of planning and financial impediments, such as delays in payments to key personnel like inspectors and project designers, as primary causes for these delays. Borges reassured that measures are being taken to tackle these financial issues through ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among all involved parties to preclude further postponements.
Augusto Chico, the project director, conveyed that the project is 14.07% complete in terms of physical infrastructure and 15% in financial terms, with significant progress in infrastructure development that is expected to speed up the dam’s construction. The project anticipates the commencement of power generation by October 2026, beginning with the operation of the first turbine.
Launched in 2017 with a funding exceeding five billion dollars, the project now employs approximately 2,500 workers, combining local and international expertise. Financial assistance has been substantial, with a 4.5 billion dollar investment from the People’s Republic of China directed towards the civil construction of the dam and its associated transport facilities, and a 1.02 billion dollar contribution from Germany for the procurement and setup of electromechanical systems.
The Caculo Cabaça hydroelectric initiative is set to generate 2,172 megawatts (MW) of electricity, supplementing the energy output of the dam network along the Kwanza River’s middle section, alongside the Cambambe (Cuanza Norte), Capanda, and Laúca (Malanje) facilities. The construction is managed by the China Gezhouba Group, a state-owned company. Borges utilized his site visit to inspect the ongoing construction work, including the main power station, tunnels, the dam itself, construction yards, bridges, and additional essential infrastructure.
