By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Buchanan – Contractors of the Light Up South-East (LUSE) Program are accelerating the planting of concrete light poles in Buchanan City, while a joint assessment mission comprising representatives from the European Union Delegation (EUD), the National Authorizing Office (NAO) of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) has commenced field activities to evaluate progress under the ongoing rural electrification initiative.
The visiting team held a formal county-entry meeting with contractors and local authorities before touring communities slated to receive electricity.
The mission focuses on assessing the materials, equipment, and quality of work being executed by MBH Power Nigeria Ltd., one of the contractors implementing the EU-funded LUSE Program.
Following the Buchanan mission, the team is expected to visit Greenville in Sinoe County and Barclayville in Grand Kru County, two additional cities benefiting from the program.
Concrete Pole Planting Marks Milestone in Buchanan
Contractors have begun large-scale planting of concrete light poles in the port city, a significant step toward expanding electricity access.
According to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the planting of 300 concrete poles will provide electricity to over 12,000 customers through single and three-phase prepaid meters.
The project also includes the installation of 500 streetlights, alongside connections for hundreds of households, schools, health facilities, institutions, and businesses across the city.
Progress in Greenville and Barclayville
The LUSE Program continues to deliver transformative energy solutions across the South-East.
In Greenville, Sinoe County, electricity is being extended to 4,344 households through a hybrid system combining a mini-hydropower facility and a solar power plant, while 200 LED streetlights are being installed to improve public safety and lighting.
In Barclayville, Grand Kru County, plans include a modern solar PV plant, a mini-grid distribution network, and solar home systems for communities on the outskirts of the city.
Materials and Equipment Mobilized in Buchanan
The MFDP reported that contractors have already positioned substantial materials to accelerate implementation. These include 1,500 concrete light poles, transformers for distribution, multiple categories of electrical cables and conductors, and 500 LED streetlights.
These efforts highlight the Government of Liberia’s commitment, supported by the European Union, to expand reliable, modern, and affordable electricity to the South-East, historically one of the country’s least electrified regions.
