By Bill W. Cooper
In a bid to address Liberia’s Energy Dilemma, Vice President Jeremiah Koung has officially commissioned the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project (LEEAP) supervised by the Monrovia-Robert International Airport (RIA) Corridor in Schifrin Town, Margibi County.
The initiative, which is an African Development Bank (AfDB) funded project, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to enhance its energy infrastructure, improve access to electricity, and stimulate economic growth.
The commissioning ceremony, attended by government officials, local leaders, and representatives from the international community, also underscored the importance of reliable electricity in fostering development and improving the quality of life for all Liberians.
Liberia has faced a persistent energy crisis for decades, exacerbated by years of civil conflict, inadequate infrastructure, and limited investment in the energy sector, as the lack of reliable power has further hindered economic development, limited educational opportunities, and stifled the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
It can be recalled that on March 10, 2017, the financing agreement for the LEEAP was entered into between the government and the AfDB to expand electricity access while at the same time developing the human and institutional capacity in the elected sector of Liberia.
Also, both the EU and GEF provided grants towards the project while others provided loans to further increase the population’s access to electricity while promoting energy efficiency and strengthening the institutional capacity in the electricity sector.
Key outputs of the commissioned project are the construction of 45km (66kv) double circuit transmission lines from the Paynesville substation to the RIA substation and the construction of a 66/22kv substation at Schiefflin.
Others are the construction of a 66/33KV substation at RIA and the construction of 980km of distribution network in both Paynesville, RIA, Owensgrove corridor and the Pleebo, Fish Town corridor.
The project will see the connection of 39,792 customers in both Paynesville, RIA, Owensgrove corridor and the Plebo, Fish Town corridor, making up 50 health facilities/pharmacies, 65 academic institutions, 43 government/public facilities and 250 small businesses.
Officially cutting the ribbon to the facility, VP Koung said the initiative is part of a broader strategy by the government to revitalize the energy sector and expand access to electricity, noting the substation will play a crucial role in distributing power from the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant for residents.
The VP also emphasized the government’s commitment to improving energy access as a means of driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Liberians, and asserted, “Electricity is not just a commodity; it is a catalyst for development.
He also revealed the government’s efforts to attract investment in the energy sector, including partnerships with international partners and private investors, and said, “We recognize that without reliable power, our businesses cannot thrive, our children cannot learn, and our communities cannot grow.”
VP Koung added that the commissioned substation is a testament to the government’s dedication to modernizing the energy infrastructure and ensuring that all Liberians have access to electricity.
EU Head of Delegation, Nona Deprez, disclosed that the LEEAP is a good example of the EU and its member states (Team Europe) sharing an interest in Liberia of improving access to energy for all Liberians.
She added that the LEEAP was funded through the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund, which was created in 2007, with funding from the European Commission, EIB and its MS and has supported projects in the area of energy, transport, water and communications, contributing to fostering sustainable economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
For his part, the AfDB Office-in-Charge, Yusuf Bob Foday, reiterated his institution’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s energy sector and added, “We believe that access to reliable electricity is fundamental to economic development and poverty reduction.”
