In what is already the third edition of this event, the focus for the next DRC Battery Metals Forum is on the region’s potential in the global energy transition, including leveraging the DRC and Zambia’s significant cobalt and copper resources for battery precursor manufacturing.
Overall, the DRC envisions a future where it plays a pivotal role in the global battery metals supply chain, contributing to the energy transition while fostering economic development and sustainability in the region.
Date: 29 – 30 September 2025
Venue: Kolwezi, DRC
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a 1.14% increase in electricity tariffs across all consumer categories for the fourth quarter, effective October 1, 2025.
The adjustment, according to the commission, is due to changes in both local and global economic factors.
However, the commission maintained that there will be no increment in water tariffs for the same period.
Explaining the decision, the PURC said it considered key factors such as the hydro-thermal generation mix, the Ghana Cedi–US Dollar exchange rate, inflation, and natural gas prices.
During the third-quarter tariff review, the commission noted that the cedi traded at GH¢10.3052 to the US dollar.
However, it observed that the local currency has since depreciated to GH¢12.3715 to the dollar.
“Having carefully analysed the existing parameters, the Commission wishes to announce an adjustment of 1.14% across the board in electricity tariffs and 0% increment in water tariffs”, a statement issued by Dr. Shafic Suleman, Acting Executive Secretary of PURC said.
“These adjustments are undertaken quarterly to maintain the real value of the tariffs and to keep the utility service providers financially viable to enable them to deliver on their services to consumers,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Some oil marketing companies in Ghana have increased pump prices for both petrol and diesel, effective September 23, 2025.
Following the adjustment, petrol (gasoline) is now selling between GH¢13.38 and GH¢13.44 per litre, while diesel (gasoil) is priced between GH¢13.89 and GH¢14.20 per litre.
The increment is attributed to several factors, including the depreciation of the local currency, the cedi, against major international currencies—particularly the US dollar—and rising costs of refined petroleum products on the international market.
Earlier this year, the cedi appreciated for several weeks, with the US dollar trading at GH¢10.50, which resulted in lower pump prices.
However, as of Friday, September 19, 2025, the average interbank exchange rate for the US dollar stood at GH¢12.27.
GOIL is selling petrol (Ron 91) at Gh¢13.38 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢15.25, with diesel being sold at Gh¢14.20 per litre.
Shell is selling petrol at Gh¢13.44 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.89 per litre, with V-Power being sold at Gh¢15.25 per litre
Star Oil is selling petrol (Ron 91) at Gh¢12.77 per litre while petrol (Ron 95) is sold at Gh¢14.68, with diesel being sold at Gh¢13.45 per litre.
Lucky Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢12.85 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢12.99 per litre.
Cash Oil is selling petrol at Gh¢12.97 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢12.99 per litre.
Pacific is selling petrol at Gh¢13. 25 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.55 per litre.
Frontier is selling petrol at Gh¢12.69 per litre while diesel is sold at Gh¢13.10 per litre.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Zambian government has assured the nation, particularly residents in urban areas, of a minimum of sixteen hours of electricity supply each day, this portal can report.
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development, Siazongo Siakalenge, who gave the assurance, said the target will be achieved before the end of September 2025.
He noted that the ongoing power supply crisis has had a significant impact on the country’s development agenda.
Speaking at the quarterly financial and economic development cluster meeting for Permanent Secretaries and Controlling Officers in Lusaka today, Mr. Siakalenge emphasized the need to leverage favorable energy reforms such as open access and net metering to address the energy challenges more effectively.
He further urged the Ministry of Energy to intensify public sensitization on open access and net metering, stressing that citizens currently have limited information on these initiatives.
“We must urgently work together to ensure this challenge, which has the potential to derail our progress, is resolved. Our immediate target is to guarantee a minimum of 16 hours of daily electricity supply to residents and compounds, to be achieved within this month,” Mr. Siakalenge said.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Maamba Solar Energy Limited, an independent renewable energy company in Zambia, has performed a groundbreaking ceremony to begin the construction of a 100-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Maamba, Southern Province.
The government has described the project as a “game-changing” step towards addressing the country’s power crisis and advancing Zambia’s climate and energy goals.
The ceremony, held on Monday, September 22, 2025, was attended by investors, community leaders, and government officials, including the Minister of Energy, Hon. Makozo Chikote.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Chikote commended the company for partnering with government in seeking solutions to the country’s energy challenges.
“Maamba Solar Energy Limited has responded to the vision of restoring stability in the energy sector and improving our energy mix,” Minister Chikote remarked.
“Zambia depended so much on hydro, and when this drought hit us, this administration thought outside the box. We began exploring other alternative sources of energy, such as the one we are launching today here in Maamba,” he added.
The Minister further stated that government has lined up several solar projects to ensure that the country never again experiences prolonged load-shedding.
“That’s how we have planned our energy mix, and we will continue to address the power deficit in the immediate, medium, and long term. Our interest is to ensure that electricity reaches every Zambian household while supporting economic growth,” Chikote said.
Once completed in mid-2026, the Maamba solar plant will supply 100 MW of clean energy to the national grid.
Combined with Maamba Energy’s Phase II thermal expansion—expected to increase its capacity to 600 MW—the town of Maamba is projected to deliver a total of 700 MW of power by next year.
Ashwin Devineni, Managing Director of Maamba Solar Energy Limited, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Zambia’s growth and energy diversification.
“This 100 MW solar project is a critical step in diversifying Zambia’s energy mix and supporting the government’s ambition to add 1,000 MW of solar capacity to the national grid,” he noted.
The solar development forms part of government’s broader plan to add 1,000 MW of renewable energy capacity under the Mission 300 – Universal Access to Power program.
Beyond adding clean power, the investment will help cushion the economy against climate shocks and changing weather patterns. It also represents a transition to renewable energy, a reduced carbon footprint, and the deployment of advanced bifacial solar modules with the highest levels of efficiency.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has commenced the electrification of rural communities in Grand Bassa County under the CLSG-Rural Electrification (CLSG-RE) Project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The CLSG-RE Project is designed to connect a 3km stretch of transmission lines linking the Buchanan, Botota, and Yekepa substations.
In Grand Bassa County, this phase of the project is expected to electrify more than 31 rural towns and villages, connecting approximately 4,500 customers and installing over 836 streetlights along major streets.
Speaking during a routine media tour by LEC’s Communications Team in Compound #3, Mr. Eric Choekpelleh, LEC Site Engineer for Grand Bassa, disclosed that the project in the county is about 90% complete and scheduled to be finalized by November 2025.
He further noted that Compound #3, the largest rural community under this phase, has seen full installation and energization of transformers, with 180 streetlights already illuminating the community. Additionally, about 3,000 initial customers are currently being registered for connection.
Hon. Nathaniel T. Geei, Mayor of Wisdom City, Compound #3, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Liberia and LEC for what he described as a “tremendous milestone” in bringing electricity to one of Grand Bassa’s most populous areas.
He emphasized that access to electricity is already spurring business activity and improving livelihoods.
The CLSG-Rural Electrification Project is also being extended to Rivercess, Bong, and Nimba Counties, with LEC’s Communications Department currently on a regional tour to highlight progress under the initiative.
The CLSG-Rural Electrification Project, supported by the African Development Bank, is part of Liberia’s broader efforts to expand access to affordable and reliable electricity for rural communities.
The project leverages the CLSG transmission backbone to ensure thousands of Liberians benefit from improved electricity supply and infrastructure.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has elected eleven countries to serve on its 35-member Board of Governors for the 2025-2026 period. The election took place on Friday, September 19, at the plenary session of the 69th IAEA General Conference.
The newly elected Board members are: Belgium, Chile, Jordan, Lithuania, Niger, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, and Togo
For the 2025-2026 period, the new composition of the IAEA Board will be as follows: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Niger, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Togo, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
The Board of Governors is one of the two policy-making bodies of the IAEA, along with the annual General Conference of IAEA Member States. The Board will meet on Monday, September 22, to elect its officers.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Members of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union have threatened a nationwide sit-down strike if the Ministry of Roads and Highway fails to urgently address what they describe as “killer speed ramps” on the Brimso–Bonsu Junction stretch of the Accra–Kumasi Highway.
The Union’s warning followed the spate of fatal accidents on the section, including recent deaths of some of its members.
At least, eleven tanker drivers and several other road users have reportedly lost their lives this year alone.
According to the Union, the most recent crash, happened on September 15, 2025, which claimed three lives including a fuel tanker driver and a commercial bus driver.
For years, motorists have blamed the unusually constructed speed ramps on the relatively flat stretch for the recurring tragedies.
The Union took a section of Ghanaian journalists to the area to inspect the spot.
It was obvious that the area has become accident prone as traces of vehicle parts were seen including grass soaked with engine oil.
Some tanker and commercial drivers who spoke to this portal expressed anger and frustration, warning they might be forced to withdraw their services if urgent actions are not taken.
The National Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, George Nyaunu, who led journalists to inspect the stretch, said a petition submitted to the Roads and Highways Minister, seeking his intervention several weeks ago has gone unanswered.
He stressed that the Union would have no option but to back its members’ planned strike if the government fails to intervene.
Mr George Nyaunu (middle), National Chairman of Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union and some executives at the scene of the accident.Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has attributed a power outage in parts of Kaduna State to the collapse of Tower No. 7 along the Kaduna Town Line I and II in Rigasa community on Thursday, September 18, 2025, following a downpour and windstorm.
In a statement issued by TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the company explained that during an inspection, its linesmen discovered that vandals had removed some tower components, making the structure vulnerable to collapse.
The incident primarily affected power supply to parts of South Kaduna, resulting in interruptions in several communities.
As a remedial measure, TCN advised Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) to link its 33kV Mogadishu feeder with the 33kV Abakwa feeder, to enable customers on the Mogadishu line to access power supply.
“Areas such as Kinkinau, Yan Tukwane, Kabala West, Unguwan Muazu, and Kaduna North are unaffected by the incident and, therefore, have normal power supply,” TCN noted.
The company added that its engineers are already on-site, dismantling the collapsed tower to clear the area and commence the re-erection of a new one.
TCN apologised for the inconvenience caused to affected customers in Southern Kaduna and expressed appreciation for their patience and understanding as restoration work continues.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, says it remains committed to its gas-to-power strategy despite a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling that set aside the Environmental Authorisation (EA) for its proposed 3,000MW Combined Cycle Gas Power Plant (CCGPP) and associated infrastructure in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
The proposed gas plant is part of Eskom’s strategic objective to facilitate a competitive future energy industry and support the country’s energy transition.
The SCA found that the public participation process had failed to meaningfully include isiZulu-speaking communities directly affected by the project.
This omission, the court ruled, breached constitutional and statutory requirements for transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in environmental decision-making. Consequently, the court nullified the Environmental Authorisation.
In a statement, Eskom said it is studying the judgment and considering its next steps.
“The application was made because gas plays a critical role in South Africa’s energy future. It acts as a backbone for renewable energy integration due to its flexibility and fast-response capability. As more renewables come online, dispatchable generation is needed to offset their variability, ensuring energy security and sustaining the gains of the Generation Recovery Plan. At this stage, gas is the quickest and most cost-effective solution for backup and load-following,” said Eskom Group Executive for Strategy Delivery, Alfred Seema.
“With declining baseload coal, increased variable renewable energy, and more behind-the-meter solar that doesn’t generate at night, having gas available on demand is essential to maintain grid stability,” Seema added.
According to Eskom, its focus “remains to advance the gas strategy as the key enabler of energy security, economic growth, and the transition to cleaner energy.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) Limited has announced the appointment of Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias as the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective September 19, 2025.
He replaces Dr. Eng. John Muoki Mativo, who had served in the role since April 2023.
Eng. Kibias is a seasoned engineer with over 20 years of experience in the power sector. His expertise spans design and construction, power system planning, as well as operation and maintenance. He is also passionate about power systems and renewable energy.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, a Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management) from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and a Master’s in Nuclear Power Plant Engineering from KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS), Ulsan, South Korea. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Energy Studies at Moi University.
Eng. Kibias is registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya as a professional engineer, is a corporate member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), and serves as a committee member of the Federation of African Engineering Organizations (FAEO) Nuclear Committee.
Prior to joining KETRACO as General Manager of System Operation and Power Management, he worked at the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) in various capacities, including Regional Manager in two regions, County Manager in several counties, and in roles spanning design and construction, power system planning, operation and maintenance, and regional coordination.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria is considering stripping its state oil company of its decisive role in managing existing oil contracts and transferring that authority to the upstream regulator, in what could be the most significant shake-up since the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Under the proposal, contracts currently controlled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Limited) would move to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Lawmakers say the shift is aimed at plugging “statutory leakages and opaque deductions” that have drained government coffers for decades.
It’s a bold step in a sector where mistrust runs deep. The PIA was supposed to settle the blurred lines between regulator and operator, but critics argue that NNPC’s hybrid role as both commercial player and contract gatekeeper left too much room for manipulation. By putting NUPRC in charge, Abuja hopes to clean up revenue flows and boost badly needed income for the cash-strapped state.
But the risks are obvious. If NUPRC takes on contract control while retaining its watchdog role, it could end up judge and jury over the very agreements it regulates—a conflict of interest that may spook investors. Legal fights over existing contracts are also a possibility, with international partners wary of changes to hard-won terms.
Nigeria’s oil sector can ill afford more uncertainty. Output has been hobbled by theft, pipeline sabotage, and underinvestment, leaving Africa’s top producer pumping well below its OPEC quota. Meanwhile, domestic refining is only just beginning to recover with the Warri restart and the Dangote refinery ramp-up, after years of costly fuel imports.
For now, the proposal signals Abuja’s desperation to squeeze more from oil, its chief revenue lifeline. Whether it delivers reform or simply shifts the opacity from one institution to another will depend on how much independence—and transparency—the government is willing to grant its regulator.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana’s largest state-owned power generation company, Volta River Authority (VRA) has awarded scholarships to 60 brilliant but needy tertiary students from its operational communities, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable community development and education.
The VRA has committed GH₵1 million to cover tuition and stipends for the 60 students, who are enrolled across public tertiary institutions and studying programmes ranging from sciences to the humanities.
The meritorious honours were presented at a ceremony held at the VRA’s Engineering Academy in Akuse under the theme: “From classroom to communities: Investing in tomorrow’s leaders.”
In his address, the Chief Executive (CE) of VRA, Edward Obeng-Kenzo, stated that the initiative is a core part of the Authority’s Community Development Programme (CDP), which is aligned with its motto to add value to lives.
“We believe that when we empower people from the communities, we operate to gain the needed expertise required to work with VRA, which is in their own communities, they will help to sustain the company for generations to come. So, VRA has decided to take up the financial responsibility, so students have to invest all efforts in studies to make us proud and also open similar opportunities for others in the communities they come from,” he said.
The CEO outlined the long history and impact of the scheme, noting that since 2011, the CDP scholarship scheme has supported 445 students from communities in the Akosombo, Akuse, Kpone, Tema and Aboadze areas.
With the current cohort of 60 beneficiaries, the total number of students supported now stands at 505.
“The true measure of our success lies in the inspiring journeys and achievements of those we have supported over the years. Last year, 33 beneficiaries graduated, with 12 achieving first class honours and 21 securing second class honours,” Mr. Obeng-Kenzo noted.
The Chairman of the occasion, Togbe Korsi Nego VI, Manklalo of Mepe and Acting President of the Mepe Traditional Area, commended the VRA for exemplifying true corporate social responsibility (CSR) beyond talk and media show off.
He added that the scholarship has significantly contributed to youth development in the VRA catchment areas and urged the authority to continue the programme.
“You are the leaders Ghana will rely on in the future, therefore use this opportunity wisely to uplift yourself and be fully equipped with the right skills to champion innovation and transformation,” he advised the beneficiaries.
A representative of the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, Benjamin Nai, emphasised the appropriateness of the event’s theme, urging the students to be disciplined, commit to their studies, and develop strong work ethics to effectively contribute to societal transformation.
Dr. Theodore Amegashie, representing the programme’s alumni association, shared his personal experience as a past beneficiary.
“Having been in your shoes before as a brilliant but needy student, I can relate to how challenging it is… Thanks to the VRA, that burden is now lifted and you have no excuse not to do well,” he said, encouraging the new cohort to give their best.
Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of Axim and VRA Board member, reminded students to remember their roots and to value the investment being made in their education. He warned that the scholarships are merit-based and contingent on satisfactory academic performance:
“We will look for you in your schools and ensure you perform well, because if you don’t, we will remove the support. It’s in the agreement form that the scholarship is performance merit, so if you do not deliver, then you don’t deserve continued support,” he emphasised.
VRA Board Member and Governance Champion of the Authority, Wonder Victor Kutor, Esq., emphasised that education is the bedrock of development and the initiative by VRA to support talent development, especially in communities affected by the Akosombo dam spillage, is a commendable action that will relieve parents of their financial burden and give the students hope for the future.
“I am from Fuveme, and that is a community where people’s livelihoods have been badly destroyed, and so, for a student from such a community to get a scholarship is well well-targeted initiative that cannot be overemphasized. I am happy for them and hope they won’t disappoint the Authority by learning hard to graduate with good grades and come back to work at VRA to develop these communities,” he said.
The VRA’s CDP Scholarship Scheme is designed to provide equal opportunities for higher education and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal four (SDG 4) on Quality Education. To improve efficiency and accessibility, the Authority has also launched an online application system to streamline the process for future applicants.
The event was graced with the presence of several traditional rulers and municipal chief executives from the various districts and municipalities within the VRA’s catchment area.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Kenya’s Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) is seeking an additional 200 megawatts of wind power from Marsabit County to meet the country’s growing electricity demand.
Kenya hopes to fully phase out thermal power within the next five years and replace it with renewable energy sources.
Speaking to the press in Olkaria, Naivasha, ahead of a three-day Sustainable Energy Conference, KenGen Managing Director, Eng. Peter Njenga, emphasised the urgent need to boost power generation in response to rising electricity demand.
On geothermal energy, Njenga said KenGen is working with the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) to tap an additional 200MW from Menengai and 100MW from Baringo.
“In the next 10 years, under our strategic plan, we are looking at adding 1,500 megawatts to the grid, which will comprise 100 percent green energy,” said Njenga.
He added that rehabilitation of Olkaria I is underway, with plans to increase production from 43MW to 63MW by June next year.
“Currently, the country has an installed capacity of 3.3 gigawatts, with KenGen contributing 1.786 gigawatts. We play an important role in ensuring adequate electricity supply for the country,” he said.
On his part, NTSA Regional Manager in Nakuru, John Parteroi, said the agency is advocating for the adoption of electric cars and motorcycles, which produce zero emissions.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
“That’s how we have planned our energy mix, and we will continue to address the power deficit in the immediate, medium, and long term. Our interest is to ensure that electricity reaches every Zambian household while supporting economic growth,” Chikote said.
Once completed in mid-2026, the Maamba solar plant will supply 100 MW of clean energy to the national grid.
Combined with Maamba Energy’s Phase II thermal expansion—expected to increase its capacity to 600 MW—the town of Maamba is projected to deliver a total of 700 MW of power by next year.
Ashwin Devineni, Managing Director of Maamba Solar Energy Limited, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Zambia’s growth and energy diversification.
“This 100 MW solar project is a critical step in diversifying Zambia’s energy mix and supporting the government’s ambition to add 1,000 MW of solar capacity to the national grid,” he noted.
The solar development forms part of government’s broader plan to add 1,000 MW of renewable energy capacity under the Mission 300 – Universal Access to Power program.
Beyond adding clean power, the investment will help cushion the economy against climate shocks and changing weather patterns. It also represents a transition to renewable energy, a reduced carbon footprint, and the deployment of advanced bifacial solar modules with the highest levels of efficiency.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com 
“You are the leaders Ghana will rely on in the future, therefore use this opportunity wisely to uplift yourself and be fully equipped with the right skills to champion innovation and transformation,” he advised the beneficiaries.
A representative of the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, Benjamin Nai, emphasised the appropriateness of the event’s theme, urging the students to be disciplined, commit to their studies, and develop strong work ethics to effectively contribute to societal transformation.
Dr. Theodore Amegashie, representing the programme’s alumni association, shared his personal experience as a past beneficiary.
“Having been in your shoes before as a brilliant but needy student, I can relate to how challenging it is… Thanks to the VRA, that burden is now lifted and you have no excuse not to do well,” he said, encouraging the new cohort to give their best.
Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of Axim and VRA Board member, reminded students to remember their roots and to value the investment being made in their education. He warned that the scholarships are merit-based and contingent on satisfactory academic performance:
“We will look for you in your schools and ensure you perform well, because if you don’t, we will remove the support. It’s in the agreement form that the scholarship is performance merit, so if you do not deliver, then you don’t deserve continued support,” he emphasised.
VRA Board Member and Governance Champion of the Authority, Wonder Victor Kutor, Esq., emphasised that education is the bedrock of development and the initiative by VRA to support talent development, especially in communities affected by the Akosombo dam spillage, is a commendable action that will relieve parents of their financial burden and give the students hope for the future.
“I am from Fuveme, and that is a community where people’s livelihoods have been badly destroyed, and so, for a student from such a community to get a scholarship is well well-targeted initiative that cannot be overemphasized. I am happy for them and hope they won’t disappoint the Authority by learning hard to graduate with good grades and come back to work at VRA to develop these communities,” he said.
The VRA’s CDP Scholarship Scheme is designed to provide equal opportunities for higher education and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal four (SDG 4) on Quality Education. To improve efficiency and accessibility, the Authority has also launched an online application system to streamline the process for future applicants.
The event was graced with the presence of several traditional rulers and municipal chief executives from the various districts and municipalities within the VRA’s catchment area.
Source: Myjoyonline.com 