Mauritania's state electricity company SOMELEC has begun restoring power to major districts of Nouakchott, following technical interventions after two substation fires caused widespread outages. Restoration is ongoing as authorities investigate the incidents.
Mauritania's national electricity provider, Société mauritanienne d'électricité (SOMELEC), has announced the progressive restoration of electricity to several districts in Nouakchott, including parts of Sebkha and Tevrag Zeina. The move follows technical interventions to bring the northern substation (33/15 kV) back online after recent disruptions.
According to a statement released early Tuesday, SOMELEC reported that service has resumed in Sebkha neighbourhoods previously affected by technical failures on lines connected to the western substation, notably Al-Koufa, Al-Basra, and Neteg. In Tevrag Zeina, electricity is returning gradually to areas near the National Cardiology Centre, along the Nouadhibou road, the Saudi ambassador's residence, the university district, Diar Tata, and the Extérieur area near the statistics administration.
Technical Response and Ongoing Restoration
SOMELEC stated that its technical teams are continuing phased and secure restoration efforts in remaining affected districts, adjusting to available grid capacity. Work is also ongoing at the eastern substation in northern Nouakchott, with the aim of returning it to full operation and extending power restoration to additional areas.
The company previously completed the installation of a replacement 33 kV transformer station, which is expected to cover around 60% of the load previously handled by the damaged facility, following safety and operational checks.
Government Oversight and Investigation
These emergency measures come after two fires damaged key substations in Nouakchott within two days, resulting in significant power outages across the capital. President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has instructed authorities to determine the causes of the incidents, identify any responsible parties, and implement measures to prevent future disruptions. The government has also been directed to accelerate restoration efforts and modernise the city's electricity distribution network.
The current restoration follows earlier urgent repairs and rerouting efforts by SOMELEC and the energy ministry, as previously reported in coverage of the initial Nouakchott substation fire and its impact on the city's power supply.
