AS LIBERIA CHARTS its course towards progress and development under the leadership of President Joseph Boakai, it is imperative to recognize and address one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation: the dire need for stable electricity. The state of electricity provision in Liberia is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental driver of economic growth, social development, and overall national prosperity.
ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY remains severely limited, with only 34% of urban areas and a negligible portion of rural areas being connected to the grid. The consequences of this energy deficit are stark, particularly during the dry season when electricity supply becomes even more erratic, exacerbating the challenges faced by businesses, households, and essential services alike. With such limited access, it comes as no surprise that Liberia ranks among the lowest in the world in terms of electricity availability, with only a fraction of the population in the capital city of Monrovia having access.
THE BURDEN of electricity provision falls predominantly on the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), which operates a small grid primarily serving the Greater Monrovia District. However, this infrastructure is insufficient to meet the growing demand for electricity, leading to reliance on expensive and unsustainable alternatives such as privately-owned generators. The exorbitant cost of electricity, priced at $0.54 per kWh, further exacerbates the challenges faced by businesses and consumers alike, hindering economic growth and perpetuating poverty.
AMIDST THESE CHALLENGES, it is heartening to note the efforts made by LEC to increase energy supply to the grid, as evidenced by a 13.3% rise in energy supply compared to the previous year. However, this increase has been achieved through costly measures, including substantial investments in repairing and maintaining thermal generators. Such short-term solutions are neither sustainable nor conducive to long-term economic development.
THE ECONOMIC IMPERATIVE of prioritizing stable electricity cannot be overstated. Access to reliable and affordable electricity is a catalyst for industrial growth, enabling businesses to operate efficiently, expand their production capacities, and create employment opportunities. Moreover, electricity is indispensable for improving living standards, enhancing educational outcomes, and advancing healthcare services, thereby fostering inclusive development across urban and rural communities.
Stable electricity must be accorded a central place within this agenda, as it underpins the success of all other development initiatives. Without a reliable energy supply, efforts to stimulate economic growth, enhance educational outcomes, and improve healthcare services will be severely hampered.
PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S ARREST Agenda outlines a comprehensive vision for addressing the myriad challenges facing Liberia, encompassing agriculture, infrastructure development, education, and economic reforms. However, stable electricity must be accorded a central place within this agenda, as it underpins the success of all other development initiatives. Without a reliable energy supply, efforts to stimulate economic growth, enhance educational outcomes, and improve healthcare services will be severely hampered.
AS PRESIDENT BOAKAI endeavors to steer Liberia towards a path of prosperity and transformation, it is incumbent upon his administration to prioritize the expansion and modernization of the country’s electricity infrastructure. This entails not only investing in renewable energy sources and promoting energy efficiency but also addressing the systemic issues plaguing the electricity sector, including inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and institutional inefficiencies.
THE AVAILABILITY of stable electricity is not just a luxury; it is a fundamental prerequisite for unlocking Liberia’s full economic potential and improving the well-being of its citizens. President Boakai must seize this momentous opportunity to prioritize electricity provision as a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda, thereby laying the groundwork for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Liberians.
