Benin government plans to invest 30 billion CFA Francs (about 50 million U.S. dollars) to reinforce national electricity production capacity in the country.

Minister of State and Secretary-General of the Presidency Pascal Koupaki disclosed the intention during a press conference here Wednesday.

"Benin government has taken two emergency measures purposed to solve the electric energy shortage problem, especially the refurbishment of power plants in Porto-Novo, Parakou and Natitingou, and the rent of two thermal power plants with a total capacity of 150 MW," he said.

Over the last few days, Benin has been experiencing electricity shortage going from voltage drop to power outage for hours.

(Xinhua News Agency July 22, 2016)