SUEZ has signed a five-year, €200 million contract with the Gabonese Energy and Water Company (SEEG) to enhance the production and distribution of drinking water in Libreville and other major cities in Gabon. Supported by the French government through a competitively rated loan, the partnership aims to significantly improve water service quality and help restore SEEG’s financial stability.
This strategic collaboration focuses on long-term improvements to Gabon’s water infrastructure. It includes the transfer of technical expertise to SEEG teams and comprehensive support across all stages of water service—from production and transport to distribution and customer management.
“Providing essential services is at the heart of SUEZ’s mission,” said Pierre Pauliac, Group Deputy CEO & COO Water at SUEZ. “We are proud to support SEEG in this impactful project that will ensure continuous access to high-quality drinking water for the Gabonese population, strengthen local capabilities, and stimulate the economy.”
A National Priority for Gabon
Access to safe, reliable drinking water remains a key priority for the Gabonese government. SUEZ will work closely with SEEG across its entire value chain, delivering operational and technical support in:
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Pipeline and Valve condition analysis – Leveraging SUEZ’s advanced technologies to detect and repair leaks in Greater Libreville (including Ntoum and Owendo).
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Infrastructure upgrades – Modernizing equipment in inland cities like Port-Gentil, Franceville, and Oyem, in partnership with Saint Gobain PAM Canalisations.
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Network safety improvements – Replacing unsafe overhead water connections with compliant underground systems and upgrading water meters to enhance billing accuracy. A fraud prevention system will also be deployed.
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Operational modernization – Overhauling water management and billing systems to boost service efficiency.
Investing in Skills and Local Development
Central to the agreement is a robust knowledge transfer initiative using SUEZ’s proprietary WIKTI methodology, which assesses operational competencies and delivers tailored training programs. Key performance indicators such as reduced water losses, improved billing accuracy, and increased service coverage are embedded in the contract to ensure measurable outcomes.
Training will be led by SEEG’s Profession Center (CDM), while Gabonese SMEs will be engaged for installation works. An estimated €60 million will be allocated to subcontracting, with SUEZ overseeing execution to ensure adherence to strict health, safety, and quality standards.