By Bill W. Cooper
The Ministry of Finance and the European Union (EU) have officially broken ground for the Rural Electrification Program, which prioritizes lighting up Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Grand Kru Counties.
The landmark project, in the tune of 42 million euros or its equivalent, US$45 million, is intended to construct two separate 33kv electricity generation and distribution networks/facilities in Greenville and Buchanan, as well as benefit over 16,000 households in the three counties.
The 42-million-euro project, intended to electrify the Barclayville, Buchanan, and Greenville, comes at a time when Liberia is facing a serious energy crisis, as when completed, would serve as a legacy for the Joseph Boakai government and a beacon of hope for the country’s electricity sector.
The colorful ceremony, held at the CLSG substation in Buchanan over the weekend, also brought together several community dwellers, including government officials and dignitaries from both the EU and other international partners.
The project is being implemented by MBH power, RDEA, and COLENCO, with an estimated duration for completion put at 28 months (February 2027), projected to stimulate socio-economic development and improve the living standard of the rural population in Buchanan, Greenville, and Barclayville.
Officially breaking ground for the project on behalf of President Joseph Boakai, Deputy Finance Minister for Economic Management, Dehpue Yeanpea Zoe, thanked the EU for the funds and said the project is a testament of the President’s vision to attract most significant infrastructure projects to the country.
According to him, the action of President Boakai to electrify the two Southeastern cities, shows responsible, visionary, and selfless leadership, even though he had the power to divert such a huge project to his county.
He added that, with the securing and soon-to-be execution of the project, the President is also working out modalities and lobbying with other partners to ensure similar electrification projects for the Western region and the North-central region.
Earlier giving the overview of the project, the Executive Director of the Rural Renewable Agency, Samuel Bocay Nagbe, disclosed that over 17,064 new homes and 1,442 businesses are expected to benefit, as well as 424 full-time jobs to be created.
He narrated that 700 street lights are expected to be installed in Buchanan and Greenville with 33kV distribution system in Buchanan, 850kW solar power plant and 2MW Mini Hydro Power Plant in Greenville, and 200kWp Solar PV Plant in Barclay, plus 2 Diesel Generators (850kVA and 225kVA).
According to him, Buchanan will have a total of 12,057 new service connections, 11,000 households, and 1,057 businesses (917 SMEs, 42 large customers, 18 large administration and community buildings).
He maintained that 500 streetlights will be installed with 119 full-time jobs created, with a 65km distribution network of 33kv distribution Lines from a 225kV substation in Buchanan, and the estimated time for completion is 36 months (May 2027).
For Greenville, Sinoe County, Nagbe noted that there will be a total of 5,249 new service connections with beneficiaries being 4,980 households and 269 businesses, including all public buildings, and the installation of 200 streetlights.
He explained, “Full-time job creation is 259 from 850kW Solar Power Plant and 2MW Mini Hydro Power Plant, and the rehabilitation of feeder roads in Greenville, including a backup of 850kva Diesel Generator, with an estimated time of completion at 38 months (August 2027).”
“For Barclayville in Grand Kru, there will be a total of 5,249 new service connections with beneficiaries being 1,084 households and 116 businesses, including all public buildings, as 70 solar home systems will be installed also outside of Barclayville.
46 full-time jobs will be created, accumulating an infrastructure type of 200kWp Solar PV Plant and Mini-Grid Network with a backup 225kVA Diesel Generator,” he added.
EU Head of Delegation to Liberia, Nona Deprez, said the fund given for the project is the EU’s way of contributing towards Liberia’s development and growth, clarifying that the fund is a grant from the people to Liberia and not a loan.
According to her, the project also demonstrates the European Union’s willingness and readiness to foster a more genuine partnership with the Government of Liberia in infrastructure development, especially energy generation and distribution.
She added that, with the electrification of Buchanan, Greenville, and Barclayville serving as key commercial hubs in the Southeast, the living standard in that region is expected to improve as economic activities boom along that corridor due to access to stable and affordable electricity.
For her part, Senate Pro-Tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, thanked the EU and partners for the initiative, asserting that the project will solve the electricity challenges faced by the people in the benefiting counties, as well as empower businesses.
According to her, the project also marks a significant leap forward in Liberia’s energy development journey and symbolizes the EU’s commitment to assisting the Liberian Government in providing reliable, accessible, and affordable electricity to its citizens.
She added, “These projects are part of the EU’s Rural Electrification Program, worth 42 million euros, which will benefit almost 50,000 people in Buchanan, Greenville, and Barclayville, with the total of EU’s investment in Liberia’s energy sector exceeding 100 million euros, and we are grateful.”
Meanwhile, the CEO of the MBH Power Nigeria Limited, Rakesh Mahapatra, commended the EU and Liberian government for the confidence reposed in his company to ensure the execution of the project, assuring his readiness and ability to ensure the three counties are electrified.
