The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation and it diverts water from the Vohitra east into a 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) headrace tunnel where it reaches a 91 megawatts (122,000 hp) underground power station.

After water charges the turbine-generators, it travels down a 500 metres (1,600 ft) tailrace tunnel before it reenters the Vohitra River.

The drop in elevation between the dam and power station affords a hydraulic head of 235 metres (771 ft).

[1][2] The dam and power station were funded by the World Bank at a cost of US$142.1 million.

[5][6] They all use Francis reaction turbines[7] which typically range from 10 to 700MW [8] and with water head operating from 10 to 600 meters.