Liberia, African bank sign grant to boost renewable energy

Liberia has signed a $32.64 million grant with the African Development Bank to boost renewable energy under the project Renewable Energy for Electrification in Liberia on Jan 29 in Monrovia.

The three-year project is expected to develop a hydropower plant on Gbedin Falls of the St. John River in the northern region of Nimba, and with a 9.3-megawatt power generation unit, says African Development Bank Liberia Country Manager Orison Amu.

Amu revealed that the project will ensure electricity generation for about 7,000 local households within the project area upon completion.

Accordingly, the project seeks to increase access to electricity and foster the use of renewable energy sources, improve annual electricity generation, increase access to reliable electricity, contribute to the reduction of electricity generation costs, create jobs and reduce fossil energy consumption, as well as increase hydropower generation.

Samuel D. Tweah, the finance and development planning minister of Liberia who was also speaking at the signing ceremony, lauded the bank for supporting the development agenda of the government, and partnership between the government and the bank remains strong.

Tweah termed the project as a major boost to the country's energy and environment sectors. He noted that the bank continues to be involved in areas like electricity, roads, governance and other sectors of the country.

The finance minister indicated that electricity and road connectivity are important factors for economic growth and without them, the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development vision of President Weah will go nowhere.

He also praised the bank for passing the Country Paper for Liberia. The country's paper focuses on roads, energy and agriculture.