VP Koung Calls For Concrete Efforts To Bridge Electricity Gaps During Dry Season
VP Koung Calls For Concrete Efforts To Bridge Electricity Gaps During Dry Season
By E. Chiedi Nyenmoh
Amid the challenges in Liberia’s electricity sector, Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung has urged the management of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) to take decisive action to address the electricity shortages that typically occur during the dry season.
Speaking during the inaugural meeting of the St. Paul River 2nd Hydro Power (SP2) Steering Committee on October 9, 2024, at the Executive Mansion Tea House, the Vice President stressed that achieving the government's ARREST Agenda is impossible without a stable and reliable power supply.
“We all know that electricity in Liberia during the dry season can be very unreliable, and we want you to work harder so that these recurring issues are resolved,” he stated.
He underscored that electricity is crucial for driving development across all sectors and is vital for attracting investment and creating jobs.
VP Koung at the same time, commended international development partners for their continued support to Liberia’s energy sector and called for urgent, concrete steps to mitigate the electricity shortages anticipated this dry season.
The SP2 Steering Committee, established by President Boakai, has been tasked with reviewing the hydro project and assessing its viability and economic returns to address the country's energy challenges.
The committee is also exploring immediate solutions as the dry season approaches.
The St. Paul River 2nd Hydro Project, once approved by the government, is expected to cost approximately USD 700 million. It is projected to generate between 200 to 250 megawatts of electricity, with financing fully committed by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank. The project is anticipated to begin in 2027.
The Steering Committee and development partners are considering immediate options, such as purchasing external power through the CLSG (Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea) transmission lines to alleviate the impact of the dry season.
