Monrovia, Liberia – The government of Liberia and its development partners today held a one-day roundtable discussion on sustainable energy development for the country. The objective of the discussion is to identify the challenges and solutions to the delivery of clean, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to all Liberians.
The purpose of the conversation is also to restate the government of Liberia’s and its development partners’ commitment to ongoing assistance in the energy sector.
Speaking at the opening, President Joseph Boakai stated that the energy sector is the top priority for his administration. He noted that it will be difficult to achieve the growth and stability required to pull Liberians, the country’s common citizens, out of poverty without access to affordable, dependable, and renewable power.
While holding the position of vice president in the Ellen Johnson administration, President Boakai was briefed about the St. Paul 2nd Bydro and Mount Coffee Extension initiatives. Following that momentous meeting, the decision was made to design and approve the project’s feasibility studies with the World Bank and the West African Power Pool.
Today, March 21, 2024, the Liberian Leader embraces the opportunity to fast-track and complete that critical undertaking under his administration. “So let there be not a single shred of doubt on my position on the SP2 Hydro Project and the Mount Coffee Extension. Let no one here in this room or in the future in the media or social media doubt my commitment as I sit here today and say, We initiated these projects back in 2016 when I was a vice president, and I will do all in my power as a president to complete what we started.”
Additionally, President Boakai reaffirmed that all projects will be completed to the highest international standards with the assistance of the partners and without the kind of predatory political meddling that has been observed in the past.
”What we need from you, our valued energy sector partners, is the means to achieve this nation building goal. And that request for assistance comes in the form of the required international expertise to deliver the rapid upskilling of our qualified Liberians, selected on merit alone, and, of course, critically, the level of funding needed for such transformational projects.”
According to the Liberian Leader, he strongly believes and hopes that his record at higher levels of government and demonstrated integrity will build the confidence that will boost partner trust and confidence in the energy process. He also promised accountability throughout the government sector, including the Liberia Electricity Corporation.
In order to facilitate the quickest delivery of the St. Paul Hydro Project at the highest feasible megawatt capacity, President Boakai simultaneously requested road accessibility. This will, in his opinion, ensure a future guaranteed by a higher degree of Liberia’s energy sovereignty.
In order to help Liberia eventually overcome the dry season deficit, President Joseph Boakai urged development partners to examine the staged storage capacity at the St. Paul Rivers. Amb. Boakai urged development partners to collaborate with the finance and development planning, mining and energy, and LEC management ministries to expedite the completion of the financial arrangements for the top projects.
In order to strengthen and broaden the current grid and linkages, as well as to continue with a fast-track upskilling of Liberia’s expertise in the industry, President Boakai asked partners to continue supporting the leadership in the energy sector.
President Boakai directed that all updates on the project’s status, procedures, and progress be sent directly to him after designating the St. Paul Second Hydro Project and the Mount Coffee Generation Project as key national presidential priorities.
