Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has instructed the government to take necessary actions based on recommendations from an investigation into fires at two power plants in Nouakchott. The investigation was conducted by a committee set up by the President on August 25, 2023, following the fires that caused widespread power outages in the capital city. The committee's report has been submitted to the President, who has ordered its publication and made it available to the public.
The fires at the Northern and Western Nouakchott power plants, operated by the Mauritanian Electricity Company (SOMLEC), occurred on August 21 and 22, 2023. The incidents resulted in significant disruptions to electricity supply in many areas of the capital city for several days. In response, President Ghazouani established an independent investigation committee to determine the root causes of the fires and identify potential shortcomings.
The investigation committee, led by former Minister Ousmane Kane, conducted extensive work, including hearings with dozens of officials and employees from SOMLEC and representatives from supplier companies. The committee's report provides a comprehensive account of the incidents, including findings and recommendations. President Ghazouani has ordered the government to implement the recommended actions.
On Thursday, President Ghazouani met with Prime Minister Moktar Ould Aja and Ousmane Kane, who submitted the committee's report. The President had previously been briefed on the committee's work and its key findings. The report's publication is expected to provide transparency and allow citizens to access information about the incidents.
The investigation's findings and recommendations aim to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the fires and identify areas for improvement. By making the report public, the government demonstrates its commitment to accountability and transparency. The President's directive to implement the recommended actions underscores the importance of addressing the issues raised by the investigation.
The power outages caused by the fires had a significant impact on the daily lives of Nouakchott's residents. The government's response to the investigation's findings will be closely watched by the public, who expect measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The publication of the report is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
The Mauritanian government's handling of the investigation and its aftermath will likely have implications for the country's energy sector. The President's order to implement the recommended actions signals a commitment to improving the sector's performance and reliability. The government's actions will be closely monitored by stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, and international partners.
Key points
- President Ghazouani has ordered the government to take necessary actions based on recommendations from an investigation into fires at two power plants in Nouakchott.
- The investigation committee's report provides a comprehensive account of the incidents, including findings and recommendations.
- The President has ordered the publication of the report and its availability to the public, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability.
