Afobaka

Afobaka is a small town located in the Wanica District of Suriname, situated on the banks of the Suriname River near the western edge of the Brokopondo Reservoir. The area developed in the mid‑20th century as part of the construction of the Afobaka Dam, a key component of Suriname’s hydroelectric power generation system. The reservoir, created by flooding the narrow valley, is one of the largest bodies of water in the country and supplies a significant portion of the national electricity grid.

The town’s economy is largely tied to the energy sector, with many residents working for the Dutch company Enercon or in support roles for the dam and its maintenance facilities. Agriculture and small‑scale timber extraction also contribute to local livelihoods, though the riverine environment limits large‑scale farming. Afobaka Airport, a modest airstrip, provides seasonal flights that connect the town to Paramaribo and other regional hubs, facilitating both passenger travel and the transport of construction materials.

Historically, the site was occupied by indigenous peoples and later became a focus point during Dutch colonial attempts to exploit Suriname’s timber resources. The building of the Afobaka Dam in the 1960s brought significant demographic changes, as workers and their families settled in the area, leading to the establishment of schools and basic infrastructure.

With a population of a few thousand people, Afobaka remains a quiet community characterized by a mix of Surinamese Creole culture and the influence of expatriate engineers and technicians involved in the dam’s operation. The town's main landmarks include the dam itself, several small churches, and a school that serves the surrounding rural population.