DONOR NATIONS ARE EXPECTED to decide in late October 2002 on the funding for a hydro dam in Niger, one of the world’s poorest nations.

The dam is meant to supply electric power and regulate the water resources of the Niger river, in west Africa. The river, Africa’s third longest waterway, could provide much needed hydroelectric power and water for farming of lands located in the plains between the dam and the capital city Niamey.

Once the funds are in place, Niger hopes to begin construction of the dam, at a site approximately 180km upstream of Niamey, by the year 2004 with completion scheduled for 2012.