By Emmanuel Koffa
Barclayville, Grand Kru County-A team from the Rural Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), led by Project Manager, Redeemer Wonsiah, concluded a daylong consultation engagement with local stakeholders in Grand Kru County.
The meeting is part of the government of Liberia financing agreement with the European Union to provide electricity in the rural areas and other parts of Liberia.
According to the project manager, the European Union dedication has already provided sufficient funding for the implementation of the project to electrify personal homes within the City of Barclayville.
The meeting which is aimed at promoting renewable energy initiatives and fostering collaboration, brought together community leaders, local businesses, and residents to discuss the energy needs of residents of the city.
During the consultation, Wonsiah emphasized the importance of community involvement in energy projects, stating, “For any renewable energy initiative to be successful, it must be rooted in the community. We are here to listen, understand, and incorporate local perspectives into our planning.” The engagement featured presentations on the benefits of renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and biomass, as well as discussions on sustainability and environmental resilience.
During the meeting, local stakeholders shared their experiences and perspectives regarding access to energy in the region. Many expressed challenges related to the lack of reliable electricity, which has impacted local businesses, education, and healthcare services, voiced their hopes for sustainable energy solutions that can help lift them out of poverty and improve their quality of life.
One of the key takeaways from the engagement was the community’s interest in solar energy projects, which they believe could be an effective solution to the electricity shortages.
Several participants proposed the idea of community solar gardens, where residents could collaboratively invest in and benefit from a shared solar energy source.
In closing the day’s activities, Redeemer Wonsiah thanked the community for their active participation and valuable insights. “Your voices are critical in guiding our approach,” he said. “Our goal is to implement energy solutions that not only meet your needs but also empower you to be part of the energy transition.”
