A significant milestone in Liberia’s energy development will be reached as the Government of Liberia and the European Union (EU) break ground for the construction of two distinct 33KV electricity distribution networks.
The ceremony, to be held in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, signifies a crucial step towards providing essential electricity access to residents in Buchanan, Barclayville, and Greenville Cities.
These projects, funded by the European Union’s ‘Rural Electrification Program’, aim to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to underserved communities, with a special focus on the South-eastern region of Liberia.
Upon completion, outcomes to be realized are that approximately 12,054 customers will be connected through both single and three-phase pre-paid meters in Buchannan, and an additional estimated 825 LED streetlights will be installed to illuminate the city streets.
Over 4,344 households in Greenville will gain electricity access, and along the 43-kilometer transmission line route, from a planned 2-megawatt mini hydropower plant on the Sinoe River Rapids to Greenville, approximately 200 LED streetlights will be installed.
According to a Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) release, Buchanan’s network will be powered primarily by two dedicated feeders linked to the TRANSCO-CLSG 225/33 KV substation, situated about 5 kilometers from Buchanan along the Monrovia main road.
For Greenville, initial electricity provision will come from an 850-kilowatt solar power plant near Greenville in Murrayville, supported by an 820 KVA backup generator, and additionally, a 2-megawatt hydropower plant on the Sinoe River Rapids, approximately 43 kilometers from the city center, will further boost electricity generation capacity.
The Head of the European Union Delegation, Ambassador Nona Deprez, emphasized, “The significance of these networks is part of the EU’s commitment to assisting the Liberian Government in providing reliable, accessible, and affordable electricity to its citizens.”
Also, on behalf of the government, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning emphasized the profound social, economic, and development benefits the rural electrification projects will bring to Liberia’s Southeastern region, stressing, “By extending access to electricity to all corners of our land, we surely lead to a transformative change, unlocking the latent potential of our people and revitalize our communities.”
“As we embark on this journey, with Buchanan, Greenville, and Barclayville cities, we reaffirm our steadfast dedication to bridging the energy gap and fostering sustainable development. Prioritizing rural electrification will improve livelihoods, as well as lay the groundwork for inclusive growth and prosperity across the country,” the Finance representative expressed.
The MFDP release concluded by indicating that the Rural Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) has already secured two operations and maintenance companies to manage these projects immediately upon their completion.
