The Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Liberia, Ambassador Laurent Delahousse has branded the government’s developmental agenda, the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) as the best development strategy for Liberia.
He said, “The PAPD which is intended to lift this country’s citizenry out of poverty is the right framework for Liberia’s many dedicated and motivated development partners to set their actions.”
Ambassador Delahousse made the assertion on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at the official commissioning ceremony of the Liberia Electricity Cooperation (LEC) Congo Town Sub-station in Transformer community, Old-Road.
The EU tough-talking Ambassador further reaffirmed that the EU is here to deliver to the Liberian people and Government, the policies set in its developmental framework document (PAPD) for the for the forward-match and rebuilding of Liberia.
“I commend the action and will also like to recommend to the Minister of Finance and Development Planning to develop and implement a new era of dialogue and coordination with development partners which will enable partners understand and contribute to the government’s developmental strategy for the growth and development of this country,” he said.
Ambassador Delahousse further emphasized, “The EU is an enthusiastic actor in this process but again, it is at the side of the Liberian Government to ensure the full implementation of the policies set in the PAPD.”
Commenting on the newly commissioned LEC Sub-station, the EU envoy pointed out that all the citizens of Monrovia who have been waiting to receive electricity can now steadily see their communities being legally connected to the electrical grid.
He further warned that illegal connections to the electrical grid are unjustifiable and that stealing electricity is an offence punishable by law and as such, there is a need for citizens to do away and stop the stealing of current which poses serious threat to the community and country at large.
“Illegal connection puts in danger the lives of many, with the risk of explosions and fires caused by the illegal overloading of the grid. So, Liberians; you also have that responsibility to help support LEC and protect your community by stopping the stealing of current,” he warned.
Ambassador Delahousse also observed that in some communities, LEC teams are attacked by people who steal power, adding that it is therefore essential that the Government provides more support to LEC to fight power-theft.
The EU Ambassador further narrated that the Government has called for all development projects to put an emphasis on training and technical education and, as such, the Congo Town LEC project has already funded a traineeship for more than 40 young engineers, boys and girls, working with the contractor on a daily basis, for a minimum of six months and many of whom he said, have secured employment following the traineeship.
“In addition, with the extension of the electricity grid and the need for further connections, there will also be a need for more electricians in the country. To cover this, the European Union is funding TVET schools in each of the 15 counties of Liberia which will deliver the required skills,” he disclosed.
Amb. Delahousse noted that the EU believes that the expansion of the electricity sector must be affordable, and for this to become true, a solid private sector is necessary.
“Let’s not forget that the European Union financed, via the European Investment Bank, a major part of the 1350 km of the Transco-CLSG transmission power line. Linking Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, this line brings the integration of high-quality electricity networks in the region,” he mentioned.
The EU Ambassador at the same maintained that constant, stable, and affordable electricity supply to the people of Liberia and the entire region is of utmost importance for the quality of life and work of all citizens.
