Work began this month on the $3-billion 2,160–Megawatt Tocoma Hydroelectric Plant in southeastern Venezuela. The builder is OIV Tocoma Joint Venture, led by Brazil contractor, Odebrecht. Other consortium members include Impregilo of Italy and Vinccler of Venezuela. The first stage features construction of the three–kilometer–long dam and sluice gate assembly. When completed in 2012, the dam will create a 87.34–square–kilometer reservoir. Tocoma will be the fourth hydroelectric powerplant functioning in the Lower Caroni River Valley, which provides 70 percent of Venezuela's electricity supply.