ARE 2024 RETROSPECTIVE

ARE issued a Certificate of Conformity to Cimenterie du Congo Sarl (CICO) to boost its industrial production of 1,800 tonnes of cement per day at Kimpese in Kongo-Central.

Kinshasa, December 5, 2024 – ARE has reached a new milestone in its mission to guarantee the conformity of electrical infrastructures in Democratic Republic of Congo. A Certificate of Conformity has been officially awarded to CICO Sarl for its electrical installations located in Kimpese, in the province of Kongo-Central.
The electrical installations covered by this certificate include :
– A 70 kV substation connected to Kwilu-Zongo line of SNEL SA,
– A 70 kV HV transmission line from the extraction substation to the CICO Sarl transformer substation,
– A 70/6.27 kV – 8 MVA transformer substation.
This certificate, issued after a conformity check carried out by the independent expert, attests that these installations comply with specifications and standards in the electricity sector in DRC.
In accordance with regulations, these installations will be subject to annual checks to ensure that they remain compliant. Any unauthorized modification will invalidate the certificate.

Significant impact of this Certification

The issue of this certificate enabled CICO Sarl to obtain connection of its electrical installations by the operator managing the transmission network (SNEL SA). This has reinforced the credibility and reliability of the company’s electrical installations, having a positive impact on the area of influence of its activities. Here are some of the major benefits:
– Production capacity: 1,800 tonnes of cement per day, thanks to optimal operation of electrical machines.
– Employment: 400 employees recruited in accordance with DRC hiring codes and procedures, plus 200 indirect jobs via local subcontractors.
– Social development: During the construction phase, CICO Sarl contributed to the building of a clinic, a 7-kilometre road opening up the surrounding villages, and a fully furnished 8-classroom school.
– Community involvement: CICO Sarl has signed an agreement with neighboring villages, committing the company to respecting its social responsibilities towards local communities.
– Economic benefits: A possible reduction in the purchase price of a bag of cement, making this material more accessible.
This underlines ARE’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a reliable, safe and compliant electricity infrastructure, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the sector in the DRC.