By Thomas Domah, Nimba County
The general manager of Jungle Energy Power (JEP) in Nimba County has accused residents of Gbarnga, Bong County of involvement in daily power theft.
Mr Aleyou Keita, said most Gbarnga residents continue to be involved in power theft, rather than going to buy tokens to reload their meters.
He notes that those mainly involved are private homes, and it has reached an alarming proportion, thereby creating problems for his entity.
Jungle Energy Power ( JEP) Inc. agreed with USAID’s sponsored project to connect homes, institutions, and others in several counties under a cross-border electricity partnership that involves Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea (CLSG).
But Mr. Keita laments constant power theft is causing his company to loss more money.
He warns those private homes in Bong County involved stealing power to desist immediately.
The JEP manager discloses that in the past, residents of Ganta were similarly involved in power theft but that has been abolished.
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Commenting on the debt the Government of Liberia owes the Government of Ivory Coast that reports has reached US$11 million, he said JEP reports directly to the Liberia Electricity Corporation, not the Ivorian government.
The Government of Liberia, under former President George Weah, is said to have accrued this huge debt under the cross-border electricity partnership.
Meanwhile, Mr. Keita expresses disappointment over low customer service in Bahn City, Nimba County since the area was connected, disclosing there are less than 20 customers in Bahn City, Nimba County electoral district#7.
The company moved to Bahn on the order of former President Weah during the 2023 campaign period.
But since the former President longside with development partners provided free meters and connected several towns and villages in Bong and Nimba counties, the recipients are yet to make use of the facility.
Several residents who spoke to the NEW DAWN, outlined poor living conditions and lack of money to buy tokens to recharge their meters since they were connected several months ago. Editing by Jonathan Browne
