The government of Liberia says it remains committed to the full sustainability of regional electricity grid TRANSCO CLSG that is connecting four countries in the Mano River Union sub-region of Cote d’Ivoire Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Samuel Tweah made the government’s financial commitment to the sustainability of TRANSCO CLSG, a for affordable electricity for every citizen of the country recently with the country officially signed to join the TRANSCO CLSG.
Minister Tweah commended the efforts of TRANSCO CLSG, the Cote d’Ivoire government, and the project funders for the project’s successful signing. “We are committed to maintaining the sustainability of the CLSG project,” Minister Tweah declared.
Minister Tweah added that the George Weah led administration remains committed to making the electricity available and affordable noting that the CI Energies of La Cote d’Ivoire will be buttressing the electricity generating capacity of Liberia Electricity Cooperation after the government recently signed a power purchasing agreement with the county in Abidjan.
‘A working Model’
TRANSCO CLSG General Manager, Mohammed M. Sherif thanked the Liberian government for joining the TRANSCO CLSG train stating that the CLSG framework is a model that is working.
Mr. Sherif described the agreement as a significant step toward developing an energy market that will foster regional growth and strengthen the economies of the CLSG nations, guaranteeing that the people of the four countries have access to reliable and reasonably priced electricity.
“We are thrilled by this landmark achievement in the CLSG project implementation. Today’s signing event means Liberia has sealed the deal to receive the electricity that Liberians have hungered for years. The signing of the PPA and TSA for stable electricity could not come at the right time as Liberia enters the dry season, during which the country is faced with a major energy deficit,” Mr Sherif exerted.
The General Manager further applauded His Excellency President George Manneh Weah, the government, and the people of Liberia for coming on board the TRANSCO train and setting the pace for the people to enjoy 24-hour electricity during this dry season and onward.
“The signing of the PPA and the TSA by Liberia marks the beginning of trading on the CLSG line, and we are proud as Liberia now joins Sierra Leone and Guinea to enjoy 24-hour electricity, a reality of Cote d’Ivoire delivering quality, stable and affordable electricity to the respective CLSG countries. We achieved this historic victory based on cordial relationships and collaborative efforts with every stakeholder involved in the CLSG project,” GM Sherif said.
The General Manager acknowledged the support of the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Investment Bank and German Development Bank, the governments, and other stakeholders for their vision and support given to this CLSG project.
Liberia Electricity Corporation Moni Captan Chief Executive Officer and the signatory on behalf of the Liberian government, expressed his hope that Transco CLSG would increase its transmission capacity by putting in place the second circuit of the transmission line, which is crucial for supplying future energy demands. Mr. Captan assured that LEC has the capacity to fight power theft in the system in order to increase more revenue.
According to Mr. Captan, the signing of the TSA was made possible by the realization of the 225kv CLSG Transmission line that interconnects the electricity networks of La Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. This critical infrastructure paves the way for further integration of the West African Power Pool countries in the formation of a regional energy market.
Liberia is still fighting to restore regular supply of electricity since the end of the country 14 years deadly civil unrest that destroyed several infrastructures including the only electric power dam Mt. Coffee.
