Pretoria - Cabinet has approved the ratification of the signed treaty on the Grand Inga Hydropower Project between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for tabling in Parliament.
Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, made the announcement on Thursday while briefing reporters on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held in Cape Town on Wednesday.
The two countries signed the treaty in October last year on the Grand Inga project, which is expected to be the world's biggest hydroelectric project, with the potential to power half of the continent.
The treaty provides the framework for the facilitation of power generation from the Grand Inga Project and its delivery to the border between the DRC and Zambia.
According to Minister Radebe, the ratification of the treaty enables development of Phase I of the project, which will provide 2 500 MW of electricity to South Africa and contribute to regional integration, energy security, access to energy and economic growth in an environmentally sustainable manner.
“The project has the potential to supply clean and affordable imported hydroelectric power to meet the needs of the DRC, South Africa and surrounding countries.
“It entails the generation of approximately 40 000 MW of hydropower on the Congo River, over seven phases.
“The project holds the potential to fast-track SADC development; alleviate energy poverty, stimulate economic growth and facilitate infrastructure development,” he said.
The Grand Inga project will seek to harness the power potential of the Congo River, sub-Saharan Africa's greatest waterway.
“This represents one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken on the African continent, and one which will long be a resounding symbol of the rise of Africa and her people,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
