EU Delegation Visits Grand Kru County:Asseses Progress and Challenges in Electrification Project

By: Emmanuel Koffa |Grand Kru County Correspondent

Barclayville City, Grand Kru County-Monday, October 13, 2025-A high-level delegation from the European Union (EU), along with officials from the National Authorization Officer at the European Development Fund and the Rural Renewable Energy Agency, conducted a working visit to Barclayville, Grand Kru County.

The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress and challenges of the ongoing “Light Up South-East Liberia” electrification project, funded by the EU through its 11th European Development Fund.

The delegation was led by Gillies Matayron, the First Secretary and team leader from the EU Delegation to Liberia.

The primary goal of the visit was to brief local authorities and citizens on the initiatives taken so far as well as the obstacles faced in the electrification of Barclayville.

Speaking shortly after a stakeholders meeting at the Barclayville Administrative Building in Barclayville on Friday October 10, 2025, Gillies Matayron, the First Secretary and team leader from the EU Delegation to Liberia expressed hope for the project and its progress.

He highlighted the strong partnership that has developed between the EU, county officials, the Government of Liberia, and the Rural Renewable Energy Agency, all working collaboratively towards the project’s success in beneficiary cities.

While addressing the challenges that have emerged during the project’s implementation, Matayron noted that procurement issues have contributed to some delays.

He assured the residents of Grand Kru County that essential equipment, including solar panels, would soon arrive, allowing for the installation and subsequent distribution of electricity to Barclayville.

Matayron reaffirmed the EU’s ongoing commitment to support efforts across Liberia, emphasizing the crucial need for quality electricity services in the County.

He conveyed confidence that, through continued collaboration and community engagement, the electrification project could be successfully completed, thereby improving the quality of life for residents of Barclayville and its surrounding areas.

Monny Sogbie, Program Officer of Infrastructure and Energy at the Office of the National Authorization Officer, stated that the team has successfully completed customer surveys throughout the county, which will soon be followed by the design phase of the power supply network.

He emphasized that ongoing procurement processes are progressing well, ensuring that construction work can begin in earnest during the dry season.

Sogbie expressed optimism regarding the project timeline, which extends over fourteen months, with a projected completion date set for March 2026.

He reassured community members that there are no anticipated delays beyond this timeline, outlined plans for hydro generation facilities to be established around the County Service Center, facilitating efficient power evacuation.