Monrovia – The Government of Liberia (GoL) and the European Union (EU) are set to break ground for the construction and installation of three 33KV electricity distribution networks in Buchanan, Barclayville, and Greenville Cities.
The groundbreaking ceremony, scheduled for May 3, 2024, in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s energy development. Funded by the European Union’s ‘Rural Electrification Programme,’ with a specific focus on the southeastern region of Liberia, these projects aim to provide reliable and affordable electricity to underserved communities.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the projects are expected to have the following outcomes:
Buchanan City: Approximately 12,054 customers will be connected through both single and three-phase pre-paid meters. Additionally, an estimated 825 LED streetlights will be installed to illuminate the city streets.
Greenville City: Over 4,344 households will gain electricity access. Along the 43-kilometer transmission line route, from a planned 2-megawatt mini hydropower plant on the Sinoe River Rapids to Greenville, approximately 200 LED streetlights will be installed.
The electricity network in Buchanan will be primarily powered by two dedicated feeders linked to the TRANSCO-CLSG 225/33 KV substation, situated about 5 kilometers from Buchanan along the Monrovia main road.
For Greenville, initial electricity provision will come from an 850-kilowatt solar power plant near Greenville in Murrayville, supported by an 820 KVA backup generator. Additionally, a 2-megawatt hydropower plant on the Sinoe River Rapids, approximately 43 kilometers from the city center, will further boost electricity generation capacity.
Ambassador Nona Deprez of the European Union Delegation emphasized the significance of these networks as part of the EU’s commitment to assisting the Liberian Government in providing reliable, accessible, and affordable electricity to its citizens.
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning highlighted the profound social, economic, and development benefits the Rural Electrification projects will bring to Liberia’s southeastern region. By extending access to electricity to all corners of the land, the government aims to unlock the latent potential of its people and revitalize communities.
In a statement, the MFDP said, “As we embark on this journey, with Buchanan, Greenville, and Barclayville cities, we reaffirm our steadfast dedication to bridging the energy gap and fostering sustainable development. Prioritizing Rural Electrification will improve livelihoods and lay the groundwork for inclusive growth and prosperity across the country.”
The release also indicated that the Rural Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) has already secured two operations and maintenance companies to manage these projects immediately upon their completion.