Libreville, Gabon — The Gabonese Ministry of Universal Access to Water and Energy has launched a nationwide survey to map every household and facility that is drawing power directly from the national grid, official statements indicated on Friday.
According to a communiqué released in Libreville, the exercise is the first step in a broader cleanup of the electricity sector managed by the state-owned utility SEEG. Teams will travel across the country to register existing connections, remove illegal hook-ups and bring informal users onto the official billing system.
“The goal is an accurate inventory of direct connections, correction of non-compliant situations and the guarantee of fairer, more transparent public electricity service,” the ministry.
The move follows a pledge made by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to apply constitutional article 45, which calls for equity in the delivery of public services. Government sources say the president personally ordered the review after audits revealed large numbers of unregistered consumers, eroding revenues needed to maintain and extend the network.
Officials added that households recently named in local publications as possible illegal users will be contacted individually by SEEG verification units.
A second list, to be issued next week, will identify bill — defaulters in an effort to quantify arrears and strengthen payment discipline.
The ministry urged all consumers approached by field teams to co — operate quickly, stressing that regularisation is “in the collective interest” and essential to fund a more reliable electricity supply.
No timeline for completion was given, but further details are expected once the initial census phase ends.
