Bong Mines, Bong County – A senior executive of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has commended Representative Foday Fahnbulleh for what he described as decisive and results-driven leadership in advancing efforts to extend electricity to Bong Mines, a community in electoral District Seven that has not had public power supply since 1990.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Murphy Benson of the (LEC) praised the Bong County lawmaker for engaging the corporation’s leadership and ensuring that Bong Mines is now under active technical assessment for connection to the national grid.
According to Benson, representation is not only about winning elections but about understanding the responsibility to advocate effectively for the development of one’s district.
He emphasized that Representative Fahnbulleh’s engagement demonstrates how lawmakers can leverage their offices to deliver tangible results for their constituents.
The commendation comes as a team of technicians from the Liberia Electricity Corporation is currently in Bong Mines conducting a comprehensive feasibility assessment.
The exercise follows what Representative Fahnbulleh described as productive discussions with the Managing Director of the corporation regarding the extension of electricity to communities within the Kakata to Fuamah corridor, particularly the Bong Mines to Haindii stretch.
The technical team has been mandated to carry out a full-scale evaluation of the infrastructure requirements necessary to transmit power from the Kakata generating station to Fuamah District.
The assessment will determine the viability of extending reliable electricity supply to Bong Mines and surrounding communities that have remained off the national grid for more than three decades.
Since the early 1990s, Bong Mines has operated without access to public electricity, a situation residents say has significantly slowed economic growth and limited access to essential services.
Businesses have relied heavily on private generators, while many homes depend on candles and other temporary lighting sources. Community leaders say the absence of electricity has also affected healthcare delivery, education, and security within the area.
Representative Fahnbulleh described the arrival of the LEC team as a major milestone in addressing the longstanding energy challenges facing his district.
He expressed gratitude to the management of the Liberia Electricity Corporation for responding positively to his appeal and for demonstrating what he called a commitment to equitable national development.
He noted that the assessment signals that Bong Mines and other parts of District Seven are not being left behind in Liberia’s broader electrification agenda.
Benson reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to expanding access to electricity across the country, particularly in underserved communities. He stated that collaboration between lawmakers and public institutions is essential to achieving national development goals and encouraged other representatives to actively pursue similar initiatives for their constituencies.
The development has been met with excitement throughout Bong Mines, where residents say the prospect of electricity represents hope for economic revival and social transformation.
Business owners, in particular, believe that access to stable power will reduce operating costs and create opportunities for expansion.
Martha Kollie, a local shop owner, said, “For more than thirty years we have been running our businesses with generators and sometimes candles, which is costly and unsafe. We are grateful to Representative Fahnbulleh for pushing this initiative because electricity will change everything for us.”
James B. Flomo, who operates a cold water shop in the community, said the connection to LEC power would significantly lower production expenses. “If LEC power reaches Bong Mines, it will reduce our production costs and allow us to expand our operations. We appreciate our representative for taking our concerns seriously and working to bring this long-awaited development,” he stated.
Residents also see the initiative as a boost for education and family life. Esther Dolo, a mother of three, said, “Our children have struggled to study at night because there is no stable electricity. We thank Representative Fahnbulleh for remembering us and ensuring that LEC is finally coming to assess our situation.”
Peter Zubah, who owns a small restaurant in the area, said reliable electricity would improve food storage and safety. “Electricity will improve food preservation and help us grow our businesses. Representative Fahnbulleh has shown that he understands the needs of his district, and we are thankful for his leadership,” he noted.
Another resident, Samuel Gbartea, described the moment as historic for the community. “Since 1990 we have been in darkness, and many promises were made but nothing happened. Seeing the LEC team here gives us hope. We appreciate Representative Fahnbulleh for making this possible,” he said.
