By Emmanuel Koffa
BARCLAYVILLE CITY-A team from the Electricity Distribution Network has arrived in Grand Kru County, Barclayville, as part of the 42 million Europe Grant electricity project in the Southeastern part of Liberia.
The team is comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Head of Cooperation from the European Union and the Department of the National Authorizing Office. The team is in Grand Kru County to kick-start the construction of a solar power supply system and the installation of distribution network for the city of Barclayville.
Programme Officer of Infrastructure at the National Authorizing Office, Monny Soybie told Rural Reporters News Network that the initiative marks a critical phase in the government’s commitment to improving access to sustainable and renewable energy across the country.
Monny Soybie said the team’s working visit to Grand Kru County is to do the turning over of the site to the contractor, Coastal Incorporated for the construction of a Solar power supply and the installation of the distribution network for the city of Barclayville.
Monny Soybie added that the installation of the distribution network will augment the solar power supply, facilitating the efficient delivery of electricity to homes and businesses in the area. He noted that during the initial phase, the team will focus on assessing the local infrastructure, engaging with community leaders, and establishing a timeline for the project’s execution.
Soybie said the Light-Up of the Southeast electricity project is funded by the European Union in line with the government ARREST Agenda, which he said is aimed at bettering the lives of the people through economic empowerment.
Head of Cooperation at the EU, Jeroen Witkamp, expressed the European Union’s steadfast commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the project during a recent press briefing. “We recognize the pivotal role that sustainable energy plays in the development of communities”.
The EU Head of Cooperation hinted that the 42 Million Euro Grant Solar Power Project which is affecting Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Greenville, Sinoe County and Barclayville, Grand Kru County is not only about electricity but fundamentally, about improving lives, fostering economic growth, and enabling educational opportunities.
He emphasized that the EU views this project as a vital component of its broader efforts to support the government of Liberia in achieving its development goals, particularly in the energy sector.
As the project unfolds, the EU and the government of Liberia are hopeful that the implementation of the solar power supply will serve as a model for future energy projects across the country, fostering a more sustainable energy framework for Liberia.
This collaborative approach aims to ensure the project aligns with the community’s interests and enhances public buy-in. The project, backed by the European Union (EU), aims to provide reliable power to the residents of Barclayville, which has historically struggled with inadequate electricity supply.
The 42 Million Euro Grant Solar Power Project is part of the EU Rural Electrification Programme. It aims to benefit almost 50,000 people in Buchanan, Greenville, and Barclayville.
The Executive Director of the Rural Renewable Energy Agency, Samuel Bocay Nagbe, disclosed that over 17,064 new homes and 1,442 businesses are expected to benefit as well as the creation of 424 full-time jobs. Samuel Nagbe hinted that 700 street lights are expected to be installed in Buchanan and Greenville with a 33kV distribution system in Buchanan, 850kW solar power plant and 2MW Mini Hydro Power Plant in Greenville, and 200kWp Solar PV Plant in Barclay plus 2 Diesel Generators (850kVA and 225kVA).
