- The project will provide both single and three-phase pre-paid meters, along with around 825 LED streetlights to brighten the city’s streets.
- This will illuminate thousands of households in Grand Bassa and the broader Southeast corridor, marking a pivotal moment in Liberia’s infrastructure development.
In a significant stride towards enhancing energy access, Liberia has embarked on a $42 million Rural Electrification Programme, generously funded by the European Union (EU). This ambitious project is poised to illuminate thousands of households in Grand Bassa and the broader Southeast corridor, marking a pivotal moment in Liberia’s infrastructure development.
The initiative, unveiled during a five-day site visit to Buchanan by Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Ngafuan, aims to electrify approximately 12,054 households in Buchanan. The project will provide both single and three-phase pre-paid meters, along with around 825 LED streetlights to brighten the city’s streets.
In addition to Buchanan, the project will extend its reach to Greenville, where 4,344 homes will be connected through a 43-kilometer transmission route. A mini-hydro power plant will be constructed on the Sinoe River Rapids to generate electricity for the region. Furthermore, a solar PV plant and mini-grid network will be established in Barclayville, complemented by solar home systems for communities on the outskirts.
Minister Ngafuan expressed profound appreciation for the project, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fulfilling its financial responsibilities to ensure timely completion. He highlighted that the project is fully funded by the EU through a grant, which he described as “a lifeline for the country’s development agenda.” This funding structure means no repayment is required by the Liberian government, alleviating financial burdens.
Ambassador Nona Deprez, Head of Delegation from the European Union to Liberia, reiterated the EU’s commitment to the project and its transformative potential for the region. “A total of €42 million has been allocated for electricity distribution in Buchanan and renewable energy solutions for Barclayville,” she stated, emphasising the importance of a collaborative approach to avoid delays and meet the 2026 completion deadline.
Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence praised the progress, reflecting on the long wait for reliable power in Grand Bassa. “It’s been over eight years since we passed back the power plant,” she recalled, expressing gratitude for the EU’s support in bringing electricity to the county.
This Rural Electrification Programme represents a major boost to energy access in Liberia, promising to transform lives and stimulate economic growth in the Southeast corridor. With the combined efforts of the Liberian government and the EU, the project is set to illuminate the path towards a brighter, more sustainable future for the region.