– Nearly 40,000 households to be connected
By Mark N. Mengonfia- mmenginfia@gmail.com
Amidst cry for help from Liberian authorities to boost electric power distribution, the European Union (EU) is providing US$12 million to improve the country’s power distribution network, sealed by a grant agreement signed in Monrovia on Thursday.
This latest support from EU is intended to extend electricity grid in Monrovia and its environs.
Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and an official of the European Union-funded contracting company signed a financing US$21.5m or [18.9m Euros] grant.
The Liberian government’s ‘Monrovia Consolidation of Electricity Distribution Works-Lot2’ is entering a contract with the MBH Power Limited, Nigeria, the implementing institution of the project.
Finance Minister and Development Planning, Samuel D. Tweah Jr, signed on behalf of the Government of Liberia and Mr. Rachit Shad, Marketing Manager MBH Power Limited signed as implementing Contractor.
Speaking during the program, Mr. Juan Antonio Frutos, Deputy Head of Delegation and Charge’d’ Affairs EU said the objective of the project is intended to contribute to the reduction of poverty in Monrovia by improving the environmental and social-economic conditions of Liberia.
This, he said, is in line with the Government’s objective to increase access to renewable energy services an affordable power for community and economic transformation.
The EU’s Charge’d’ Affairs said that the grant is intended for the design and construction of electricity distribution network in Monrovia to help address the increasing demand for electricity in various parts of the city.
According to the EU Head of Delegation, the Liberian government and the European Union have entered into a contract with MBH Power Limited to carry out the said project in Liberia.
The installation of the new power distribution network will allow the Liberia Electricity Corporation[LEC] connect more homes and to increase its customers base in order to absorb the increase quantity and much cheaper energy expected to be generated by mount coffee Hydro, the EU official said.
The EU Head of Delegation went on to say “This distribution network will connect 38,000 small households in Monrovia and its environs, thus contributing to the increase of energy supply to the people of Monrovia.
Communities expected to be connected through the project include, Peace island, TB Annex (around Congo Town back road to LEWA Junction), GAS Road, Zubah Town, Rehab, SKD Sport Complex, around the Rock Crusher, LBS, and behind the German Embassy in Congo Town among other communities,” Mr. Frutos said.
According to EU’s Representative said Government of Liberia will make the budget available for the resettlement compensation of the local population.
“The EU connects on the goodwill of all authorities to carry out the necessary actions in an efficient and fair manner, ensuring a smooth project implementation without unnecessary delays,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Liberian Government, Minister Tweah applauded the European for its continuous support to the people of Liberia particularly the Pro-Poor Government under the leadership of Dr. George Weah.
According to him, EU is this government trusted partner indicating that since he became Minister of Finance he has done the most signing on behalf of government.
He said the latest signing to connect electricity to 38,000 small households is extremely vital, because it enhances the Pro-Poor Government agenda.
“This is important because this president wants to move LEC fast,”
Minister Tweah also hailed LEC management for the work done so far despite daunting challenges but implore to LE to move faster to meet up with the Pro-Poor agenda.
In recent days, there has been series of demonstrations for residents in and around Monrovia, demanding electricity in various communities.
Some of the protest like the one in the Monrovia suburb of Caldwell in recent days have seen violence.