Inter-basin Water Transfer Project (IBWTP)

As I already wrote in my previous posts, the current situation of Lake Chad is alarming. On that account, there is a massive need for alternative solutions, which could be an inter-basin water transfer.

The idea of an inter-basin water transfer arose first in the 1960s. A water transfer, which would deliver water from the Ubangi River to the Chari River and therefore, would provide the Lake Chad with additional water. The reasons for this project were to revitalize the lake and increase agriculture and fishing. (Ifabiyi 2013)

This project stayed just an idea till 1988, where the first scheme was created by an Italian firm named BONFICA and the National Electricity Corporation of Nigeria. The goals behind this project (TRANSAQUA scheme) were mainly economical.

·      “Ensure river transportation in order to transfer goods from east to west across Africa

·      Produce electricity

·      Develop irrigation and agro-industry in the region“ (FAO Water 2009)

In 1994 the LCBC started to think about an inter-basin water transfer. Hence, a few years later in 2009 they ordered for 5.5 million USD a first feasibility study a bit modified TANSAQUA scheme. Their main goals were:

·      “Stop the drying up

·      Restore lake level

·      To facilitate the navigation and transportation of goods as well as tourism

·      Generate 700mw of electricity through hydropower

·      Regulate the Bangui river flow

·      Clear the region of land lockedness nature and achieve regional integration, cooperation and security

·      Act as catalyst for the establishment of fishery and irrigation activities

·      Promote poverty alleviation, drought mitigation and control desertification“ (Ifabiyi 2013)

The first idea to build a navigable channel from the Ubangi River to the Chari River was proven economically not reasonable. In addition, the study revealed that the channel might create problems with invasive plants and sediment transportation. But they came up with another option for an inter-basin water transfer. By using the Kotto River, the Palambo dam and the Bria dam. This scenario would be feasible and economical reasonable by creating energy. Moreover, with this scheme the Lake Chad would increase up to 5,500 km2, with 1m sea level rise. (LCBC)

An inter-basin water transfer could better the situation of Lake Chad. But the approximate costs of this project are 15 billion € (Ifabiyi 2013). Therefore, it is going to be a long way for the LCBC to conduct this project. In addition, it is a massive intervention in the environment and in the society. As you can see in many other projects the theoretical success doesn’t directly implicate that a project is going to be successful. For example, there are many damming projects in Africa, which failed. (International Rivers)