By Godgift Harris
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has broken ground for the expansion of a ‘new’ electricity project.
The project targets Bomi, Gbarpolu and Grand Cape Mount counties. It renewed government’s promise to extend development beyond Monrovia.
The initiative faces expectations of timely implementation, transparency and improved access to electricity for underserved communities.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday, November 6, at the Commissioner Compound in Clay, Bomi County, where Pres. Boakai declared that “no county will be left in the dark.”
The project intends to address years of electricity exclusion affecting rural communities in the three counties.
The initiative will extend national electricity grid from Tubmanburg to Bopolu City in Gbarpolu County, connecting communities along the route.
Additional transmission infrastructure will extend from Sawmill in Gbarpolu County to Lofa Bridge, while electricity will also reach Kinjor, and surrounding communities in Grand Cape Mount County.
According to the project’s specifications, approximately 7,033 households, schools, clinics and businesses will benefit, covering an estimated 35,165 people.
The initiative includes the construction of 101 kilometers of 33-kilovolt overhead distribution lines, and 86 kilometers of secondary distribution networks in 18 towns.
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) says the project will be financed entirely through its own resources, and implemented by 12 Liberian contractors in 14 project lots.
While the government has presented the initiative as a major development milestone, questions surrounding execution, maintenance and the affordability of electricity remain important for communities expected to benefit.
Pres. Boakai described electricity as essential to agricultural production, education, healthcare, public safety and economic investment.
The project aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, and its commitment to achieve 75 percent national electricity access by 2030 under the Mission 300 National Energy Compact.
Boakia has meanwhile, reaffirmed his administration’s ambition to manufacture transformers locally. He commended LEC’s Board of Directors, management and employees for mobilizing resources for the expansion.
Despite the promises, Boakai cautioned that the groundbreaking ceremony must lead to tangible results, warning LEC and contractors against delays and poor-quality work.
He called on legislative caucuses, local authorities to cooperate with LEC by securing rights of way, and keep residents informed throughout the implementation.
He also urged communities to protect electricity infrastructure against vandalism, cable theft and illegal connections.
Boakai further warned that electricity consumers must pay their bills to sustain the operations, and support future expansion.
Government officials who attended the ceremony included LEC Managing Director Mohammed Sherif, Senate Energy Committee Chairman Edwin Melvin Snowe, Bomi County Legislative Caucus Chairman, J. Alex Tyler, and Bomi County Superintendent Sam Zinnah.
