The investigation into the fires at Nouakchott's power transmission stations is nearing completion, with a special committee expected to finalize its report soon. A source close to the investigation told Saharamedias.net that the committee is putting the finishing touches on its work and is expected to conclude its investigation within days. The fires, which occurred in August, caused widespread power outages in the capital.
The committee, established by the government in August, is headed by former minister Ousmane Mamoudou Kane and includes several high-ranking officials, including the Inspector General of State, Sidi Mohamed Bide, and the President's energy advisor, Ousmane Tal. The committee is also assisted by experts from the Swiss firm ECG and the German firm INTEC. Their mandate is to investigate the circumstances and causes of the fires and determine the responsibilities associated with them.
The investigation has involved the questioning of dozens of individuals, although the exact number has not been disclosed. The source indicated that the number of those summoned was substantial. The committee's work is being closely watched, as the fires had a significant impact on the daily lives of Nouakchott's residents, causing disruptions to power supply in several areas of the city.
The first fire broke out at the Eastern power transmission station, causing a power outage in several neighborhoods in northern Nouakchott and parts of the Erfat area. The second fire occurred at the Western power transmission station, resulting in a power outage in most of the Tferg Zine, Lkassir, and Sebkha areas, as well as disrupting power supply to Nouakchott International Airport and the Taniit port.
The investigation was ordered by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, who instructed the authorities to conduct an independent probe into the incidents. The committee's findings are expected to shed light on the causes of the fires and identify those responsible. The government has faced criticism for the power outages, which have had a significant impact on the economy and daily life in Nouakchott.
The power outages have also raised concerns about the reliability of Mauritania's power infrastructure and the need for investment in the sector. The government has announced plans to upgrade and expand the country's power generation and transmission capacity, but the implementation of these plans remains uncertain. The investigation's findings are expected to inform future policy decisions and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Once the committee's report is finalized, it will be submitted to the authorities, who will then take further action. The government has promised to take concrete steps to address the issues identified by the investigation and prevent future power outages. The outcome of the investigation and the government's response will be closely watched by the public and businesses in Mauritania.
Key points
- The investigation into the power station fires is nearing completion.
- The committee has questioned dozens of individuals as part of its investigation.
- The findings are expected to shed light on the causes of the fires and identify those responsible.
