Dundo — The acceptance tests of the equipment to prepare for the start-up of the first two turbines at the Luachimo hydroelectric dam in eastern northern Lunda Norte province started Tuesday (09), the rehabilitation works manager has announced.

Joaquim Costa, director of rehabilitation and expansion works, said the two turbines, with a capacity to produce 17 megawatts of electricity, have already been installed.

Joaquim Costa also announced the execution of two more turbines, with the same capacity, whose works he said stand above 60 percent.

Estimated at more than USD212 million, financed by a credit line from China, the works will help increase from 8.4 to 34 megawatts (MW) the power capacity provided by the infrastructure.

The start up of the project, comprising four generators of 8.5 megawatts each, will bring to a total of 34 megawatts, capable to cater to 186,000 residents of the province's capital, Dundo, and the municipalities of Cambulo and Lucapa, as well as the localities of Fucauma, Cassanguidi, Luxilo and Calonda.