By Linus Flomo
/BASSA
The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the European Union (EU), has launched an ambitious initiative to expand electricity access across the southeastern region, aiming to connect thousands of homes by 2026.
The $43 million EU-funded project seeks to extend reliable and affordable electricity to communities historically underserved by the national grid.
A high-level delegation, led by Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, alongside EU Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez, embarked on a five-day site visit to Buchanan and Greenville.
The tour is part of ongoing efforts to monitor the implementation of the Light Up South-East (LUSE) Project, a rural electrification program prioritizing Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Grand Kru counties.
During the visit, the delegation met with local officials, contractors, and residents to discuss the project’s impact and emphasize the importance of community support for its smooth implementation.
During a briefing at the Buchanan Administrative Building, Senate Pro-tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence announced that the southeastern region will receive a $6.5 million grant to help electrify 12,000 homes.
“We are grateful to the European Union for their continued support, and we are excited about the progress made in bringing light to these communities,” said Senator Karnga-Lawrence.
As part of the broader initiative, Buchanan alone will see the installation of 825 LED streetlights and the connection of 12,054 homes to single- and three-phase prepaid meters.
While in Greenville, 4,344 households will be linked to the grid, and a new two-megawatt mini-hydro power plant will be constructed on the Sinoe River Rapids to enhance energy reliability.
Additionally, 200 LED streetlights will be installed in the city.
Ambassador Deprez reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Liberia’s energy transition, urging all stakeholders to work efficiently to meet project deadlines.
“The people in these areas need electricity now,” she emphasized.
The monitoring visit comes ahead of the rainy season, a crucial period for infrastructure development.
Mayor George Gaybueh of Buchanan City expressed gratitude on behalf of residents, calling the electrification effort a major milestone for the city.
The Light Up South-East Project was officially launched in 2024 and is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2026, bringing much-needed power to Liberia’s southeastern corridor and fostering economic growth in the region.
Southeast To Benefit From EU’s $43M Electrification Project
