Chinese Government provides CFA 1 billion grant for 100 Water Wells Project

Project narrative

In 2012, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) provided a grant worth 1 billion CFA francs ($2 million) to the Government of Benin for the 100 Water Wells Project. This project involved the construction of 100 water wells in 6 provinces (Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Ouémé, Atakora and Alibori). The wells were designed to provide potable water to more than 200,000 people in 18 counties and 123 villages. China Geo-Engineering Corporation was the contractor responsible for implementation. Construction began on 14 October, 2012, and Benin’s President Boni Yayi attended a formal groundbreaking ceremony for the project on 5 January, 2013. The project passed final inspection by MOFCOM and Benin’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Benin on 14 December, 2013. It was officially completed and handed over to the Government of Benin on 8 January, 2014. The Chinese Ambassador to Benin Tao Weiguang and the Minister of Energy and Water Conservancy of the Republic of Benin Kassar attended the handover ceremony.