Narrative
Full Description
Project narrative
In May 2009, Reuters reported that the Chinese Government agreed to finance the construction of a mini (0.64MW) hydropower dam in Makali, Tonkolili District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. The size and nature of the Chinese Government’s financial commitment is unknown. Human Constructing Engineering Group was the contractor responsible for implementation. The construction of the dam was expected to be completed over a three year period (with a completion date scheduled in 2012). However, the project was ultimately completed in November 2016. The Government of Sierra Leone officially commissioned the dam on December 12, 2017.
Staff comments
1. The 0.64MW Makali Hydropower Plant in Tonkolili District is one of 3 Chinese Government-financed hydropower projects that were being implemented in parallel. The other two are the 2MW Bankasoka Hydropower Plant in Port Loko District (captured via Record ID#53053) and the 2.2MW Charlotte Falls Mini Hydropower Project (captured via Record ID#22211). 2. In light of the small size of the project, AidData assumes for the time being that this project was funded with a Chinese Government grant rather than a loan. It is also notable that none of the Government of Sierra Leone's public debt records acknowledge receipt of a loan for the 0.64MW Makali Hydropower Plant. However, this issue warrants further investigation.