Monrovia – A staggering six out of 10 Liberians still live without access to electricity, according to the latest Economic Update from the World Bank. The report was launched on Thursday at the Monrovia City Hall.
Titled “Powering Growth with Reliable, Affordable, and Sustainable Energy Access,” the report highlighted Liberia’s progress over the last two decades but sheds light on the challenges still hindering reliable power access. Georgia Wallen, the World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, during her remarks at the launch said, “Our commitment to supporting Liberia’s energy access ambition is rooted in our mission and has been further spurred by ‘Mission 300’.” She continued, “We must redouble efforts to reach the six out of 10 Liberians still without energy access. This is critical for Liberia’s sustainable development.”
Currently, just 30% of Liberians have electricity access, and even they face persistent power shortages, particularly during the dry season. Wallen mentioned the country’s overwhelming dependence on hydropower, which makes up around 70% of its energy supply, and the substantial risks this poses when rainfall is insufficient. Despite recent World Bank investments of $45 million to extend electricity to an additional 494,000 citizens, the report warns that Liberia’s power sector remains in a precarious state.
Kwame Kpekpena, Chief Operating Officer of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), acknowledged the challenges the corporation faces, stating, “We need reliable power, and I think that message has been sounded enough.” He stressed the importance of a stable power supply for economic growth, education, and households, noting that LEC is grappling with financial instability caused by power theft, bad debt, and operational inefficiencies. While commercial losses have fallen from 51% to 31%, the LEC continues to face major financial struggles.
The World Bank Economic Update called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen the LEC’s financial and operational capabilities, including reducing commercial losses and boosting private sector participation. According to Kpekpena, the need for improved management and reform to secure LEC’s financial viability, remains a cornerstone for addressing the electricity shortfall.
According to the report, the government plans to reduce dependency on Mount Coffee Hydro. Central to this strategy is the 150MW St. Paul Two hydropower project, which is expected to improve the country’s energy landscape.
“We are committed to aligning with the government’s plans to ensure better electricity provision, reliability, and affordability,” said Tanneh Brunson, Deputy Minister of Finance for Budget and Development Planning.
Efforts to combat power theft and improve revenue collection are also underway. The LEC has connected 37,000 previously unmetered customers and installed 5,000 meters with assistance from the World Bank. Additionally, 250,000 smart meters are set to be distributed to curb tampering and reduce unpaid bills.
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