| Project Detail |
Approval Date 09 Feb 2022
Signature Date 20 Apr 2022
Planned Completion Date 31 Dec 2024
Last Disbursement Planned Date 31 Jan 2026
Sovereign / Non-Sovereign Sovereign
Sector Power
DAC Sector Code 23220
Environmental Category 3
Commitment U.A 250,000
Status Approved
Project General Description
The Bayne’s Hydropower Project (HPP) is a priority project identified, by the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP2), and the SADC Revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030. The project is well anchored on the operational priorities of the SADC/COMESA regional infrastructure development master plans which place emphasis on: (i) infrastructure development; and (ii) enhancing institutional capacity and skills. Based on the feasibility studies, the project is viable, and a PPP model has been recommended with an estimated value of USD 1.34 billion. The techno-economic studies, that are currently being updated, were completed in 2011 and were found to be technically and financially feasible. This operation is therefore responding to strengthening the studies to gain the confidence of the private sector by ensuring its participation to leverage the already constrained government fiscal spaces. The purpose of the technical assistance is to engage an Independent Panel of Experts (IPoE) to review and validate all the design work according to the best international standards. The techno economic studies that are being updated, and the bidding document that is expected to be prepared by the transaction advisor by the Africa Legal Support Facility (ALSF), are all subject to the review by the IPoE. The key areas subjected to the review of the IPoE includes: all engineering, economic aspects with their pros and cons for options selection (dam type, height, power generation facility and capacity, etc.). The Technical Assistance will be implemented over a period of three (3) years between January 2022 to January 2025 following approval by the Bank. The total estimated cost is UA 575,000 of which UA 500,000 is provided by the Bank under the Middle-Income Countries Technical Assistance Fund (MIC-TAF) Grant.
Project Objectives
The proposed operation’s development objective is to provide Technical Assistance to review and validate technical studies and designs of the development of the Baynes Hydropower Project (HPP) that will improve the preparation and readiness of this proposed project, which is of strategic relevance to Angola, Namibia and overall Southern Africa. The specific objectives therefore include: (i) Ensure, design criteria and provide recommendations on risk analysis, impact assessment, and suitable mitigation measures based on international standards and guidelines, by developing clear set of standards and guidelines to guide at all phases of the project development that will guarantee value for money; (ii) Address all the feasibility level issues of the project with the appropriate degree of technical due diligence; consider the technical risks, analyze and advise on the possible trade-offs between techno-economic issues and the safeguards issues of dam safety, environmental, social (including gender), resettlement and impacts; and (iii) Present the findings to inform all the stakeholders, Government, potential lenders, EPC contractors, developers etc.
Beneficiaries
The two Governments (Republic of Angola and Republic of Namibia) through their ministries of Energy are the main beneficiaries as well as the Southern Africa Power Pool to act as the Executing Agency (EA). |
