GoL targets 8000 new power connections

Liberia’s Information Minister Eugene Nagbe says the government is targeting at least 8,000 new power connections to homes and businesses in the next few months, as the cabinet strategizes on key services that must be accomplished under a 20-month period leading to transition.

The 2016 Cabinet Retreat chaired by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in Bomi County from Thursday to Friday, was graced by her Vice President Joseph Boakai, as she called on cabinet members to be honest in their presentations so as to enable the government identify the challenges.

Following the climax of the first session, Mr. Nagbe told journalists that the hydro would be coming online in December, as the turbines are being developed and installed. He said in some cases where government has slow connections as per its target in the energy area, the cabinet made decisions to correct such so as to increase connections in the community.

He indicated trhat all of the drawbacks that government had were already discussed by the cabinet with a resolution of more connections to be made to the national grid in the next few months. According to the Information Minister, the national grid was being expanded, while currently the 28 megawatt HFO power system will be put on line.

He noted that it will afford the government more connections in areas like Paynesville, Congo Town and Gardnersville. Touching on individual presentations by various institutions, Mr. Nagbe said Lands, Mines and Energy Minister Patrick Sendolo spoke about the progress being made in the energy sector, citing the coming on line of the HFO power plant and the progress at the hydro.

He also cited an ongoing project with the European Union, World Bank and other partners to do more distribution within Monrovia. He also said Public Works Minister Gyude Moore spoke of roads connectivity in the counties, including the progress on the Gbarnga – Guinea border expected to be dedicated by President Sirleaf next month.

Mr. Nagbe concluded that Health Minister Dr. Bernice Dahn spoke of plans over the relocation of Redemption Hospital from New kru Town on bushrod Island to a modern facility to be constructed in Caldwell, particularly indicating that funding was already available for such target.

By Winston Parley-Edited by George Barpeen