By: Ben TC Brooks |River Gee County Correspondent
River Gee County – May 5, 2025 – Over 25, 000 household in Fish-Town and its surrounding in River Gee County are said to have been out of electricity for the past 3 months.
The blackout, which commenced in early March 2025, has been attributed to a mix of storm damages and equipment malfunctions, resulting to households being deprived of power supply.
The prolonged electricity outage has led to a substantial difficulty to local businesses, particularly in the beverage and perishable food sectors, and creating distress among residents.
Overview of the Outage
The electricity disruption was triggered by a severe storm impacting the Webbo-Fish-Town highway in River Gee County back in March 2025, which resulted in significant damaged to power lines and substation infrastructure.
An insider from the Liberia Electricity Corporation in River Gee informed our reporter that the power infrastructure serving the area is largely of inferior standard and quality, and requires complete replacement before electricity can be restored to the county.
In contrast, nearby areas such as Harper and Pleebo in Maryland County continue to benefit from reliable electricity supply while River Gee County remains shrouded in darkness for an extended period.
Consequences for the Community
The ongoing outage has dramatically affected the daily routines of Fish-Town residents. Many have reverted to traditional cooking methods, using cook pots and firewood, which often generate excessive heat and smoke in their homes.
Nowaday,residents face challenges with electricity-dependent services—charging a cellphone costs LD$50.00, a plastic bag of cold water is priced at LD$10.00, a 25kg bag of charcoal is available for LD$500.00, and firewood is sold at around LD$50.00, with prices varying based on size and level of negotiation.
“Enduring this prolonged darkness has been unbearable for my family and me,” expressed Justine Quaye, a Fish-Town resident.
The power outage has had a significant impact on local businesses, particularly those operating entertainment centers. Owners have reported substantial revenue losses, resulting in employee layoffs and, in some cases, closures.
“Our situation is dire. We can’t keep our lights on or chill drinks for our customers anymore,” stated Rita Wilson, an entertainment center owner in Fish-Town.
Response from the Electricity Team
In response to growing concerns and mounting pressure from the community, Brown Dennis Jr., the head of the Liberia Electricity Corporation in River Gee County, acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by residents due to the prolonged power outage. He assured the public that his team has commenced work on key issues along the highway, promising that stable electricity will soon be reinstated in River Gee.
“We have been addressing issues on the highway for almost a month now and will restore power to the county shortly,” said Dennis Jr.
Despite his statement, many residents have expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication concerning the reasons for the delays and the expected timeline for restoring power.
Looking Ahead
As the power outage continues to affect the community, many residents advocate for long-term solutions that could enhance the electrical grid rather than simply repairing outdated equipment, to prevent similar situations in the future.
“Investing in renewable energy and improved storage solutions would not only offer more reliable electricity but also promote sustainability,” said David Johnson, Sarbo Woffiken resident who also operates a local entertainment center.
As time passes, the residents of Fish-Town and its neighboring areas are adjusting to the ongoing challenges, holding on to the hope that electricity will eventually be restored.
During nighttime, darkness envelops the communities, with only the main street of Fish-Town slightly illuminated by solar lights installed by former President George Weah.
Background on the Electrification Project in Southeastern River Gee
In early 2019, a funding agreement totaling US$31.8 million was signed as part of the Liberia Energy Efficiency Access Project (LEEAP). This funding was provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (EU) in collaboration with the Government of Liberia.
Following the signing of the agreement, the government and its partners commenced the installation of light poles, leading to the electrification of the area from Pleebo, Maryland to Fish-Town, River Gee County. This project was undertaken by an Indian firm named ALPHA TND LTD, and residents of Fish-Town first experienced electricity on July 5, 2023.
The power lines established between Pleebo in Maryland County and Fish-Town in River Gee supply electricity to private residences and public facilities, including business centers to more than 34 communities in southeastern region of Liberia.
LEEAP was a key initiative under President Weah’s administration, aimed at fulfilling the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development by enhancing access to reliable and affordable electricity across Liberia.
However, the situation in River Gee appears to contradict the past government goal, as many residents still endure prolonged periods without electricity.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita | Editor-In-Chief
