The European Union (EU) Ambassador in Liberia, Nona Deprez, has paid a courtesy visit to the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s Anti-Power Theft Taskforce, co-chaired by Mary T. Broh.
According to information, the visit aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the team. “We extend our gratitude to Madam Broh for the invitation and for showcasing the impressive structure and order within the task force,” Ambassador Deprez noted. “The EU opposes power theft and greatly appreciates the outstanding efforts of Madam Broh and her team.Improving access to energy for all Liberians is a key priority for the European Union.”
In Monrovia, the Monrovia Consolidation of Electricity Program, funded by the European Union with a grant of 52 million Euros, has ensured access to electricity to 42,000 households, and helped with the formation of the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) to enforce the energy legal framework, in order to diminish losses of electricity.
Ambassador Deprez disclosed that the EU set up an internship program for young engineering students and fresh graduates (40 beneficiary in total in a cycle of 6 months each), who benefitted under the Monrovia Consolidation of Electricity and are today in the Liberian energy space providing valuable services.
A few days ago, Ambassador Deprez participated in the program marking the official connection of CEMENCO to the national electricity grid, operated by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC). Ambassador Deprez highlighted the EU’s steadfast commitment to supporting Liberia in energy recovery, both in energy generation and distribution, integrating young engineering students through TVET programs, and improving road development and private sector growth to enhance the investment climate and create jobs for Liberians.
The EU ambassador further disclosed, “In Buchanan, we recently celebrated a new milestone with the groundbreaking of the EU-funded rural electrification program, which prioritizes the southeast (42 million euros grant) and targets Buchanan, Greenville, and Barclayville. This program will benefit 55,233 Liberians and create at least 159 new full-time jobs and avoid carbon emissions by an estimated CO2 1,740,624 tonnes over 20 years.”