EU's To Begin Energy Project, As Finalization Of Contracts On Course

By K. Ericson Sayee & Margretta Y. Mulbah

MONROVIA, Nov. 5(LINA) – Nona Deprez, the Head of European Union (EU) in Liberia, has unveiled the finalization of contracts for the commencement of EU's energy project in Southeast Liberia, which gears towards providing huge access to electricity for citizens in that part of the country.

"We are now finalizing the signatures of those contracts. Contractors have started work so we are happy about that but then the work takes time. So, we have already started in Buchanan and Barclayville", Madam Deprez disclosed when she appeared on State radio, ELBC on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Though the project has not begun in Greenville, the EU Envoy noted that they are still signing the last contract, saying that it will take time because these kinds of long-term projects need proper planning that will lead to appropriate steps.

For her, the investment in energy generation is important, noting that it is a long-term endeavor because the EU works for formulating the proper programs, having had final decisions with EU member states. 

"In total, it will take around three years to complete. When we did 'light up Monrovia,' we worked with LEC. But LEC doesn't cover the southeast.  We work with Rural Renewable Energy, that's the government agency, and we will work with private distribution operators", she narrated.

She added: "Electricity does not come because you want to have Electricity, which takes a long time. We have signed the contract for the works".

Currently, Ambassador Deprez revealed that the contractors are about to begin the energy project, stating that some of what caused the delay was the rainy season, but as the rainy season is at its finished stage, the commencement of the project will start.

"Of course, we have started to mobilize. It has been the rainy season, so it is also very difficult to move  heavy equipment and to get it to Buchanan. The type of infrastructure that will be done there is development of the transmission line and distribution system with transformers and the main line from the substation to Buchanan", the Ambassador asserted.

According to her, the project will take 36 months to be completed, specifically in May 2027.

When completed, Madam Deprez averred that it will benefit the construction sectors, consumers and households, adding–"We hope to connect 11 thousand households. And it will save carbon emissions. People must know that this work takes time".

As electricity is also high on the agenda of the current administration, the EU Ambassador expressed that the project will assist the government and its people by boosting relevant sectors that rely on electricity to flourish and fully develop.