Commercial Framework meeting ends on high note

Abidjan, 19 October 2016 – At the close of the three-day high level Commercial Framework meeting in Abidjan, stakeholders from countries that constitute the CLSG underline the importance of advancing collaboration among them to ensure the successful implementation of the CLSG interconnection project.

In their declaration, the stakeholders from Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea emphasized the importance of cooperation among the CLSG countries in making sure the CLSG interconnection project is delivered to benefit millions of citizens in the sub region, most especially Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The stakeholders discussed the security of the CLSG project by concluding on the Power Purchase Agreements and the Transmission Service Agreements that foresee the proper implementation of the energy program provided by TRANSCO CLSG.

The PPAs and TSAs are the final disbursement conditions for the European Investment Bank and the World Bank to enable the award of contracts for the construction phase of the CLSG interconnection project to kick off.

Related story: Breakthrough in the CLSG project implementation

The Management of TRANSCO CLSG organized the three-day Commercial Framework meeting from Monday, October 17 to Wednesday, October 19 respectively, following the EIB’s and WB’s comments to finalize the PPAs and TSAs. The meeting diligently and expeditiously concluded the two key agreements, with delegates from the CLSG countries and donors making inputs. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Ian Yhap, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liberia Electricity Corporation with the EIB and WB represented.

Commercial Framework meetingThe meeting was characterized by the enthusiasm to see that the project is fully implemented and on time. Stakeholders along with donor partners agreed to enhance collaboration and ensure that adequate funding is made available to fast track milestones which include the settlement of people affected by the project, awarding of contracts to commence the construction of transmission line and sub stations across the CLSG.

The General Manager of TRANSCO CLSG, Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif gave an overview of the progress made in the project including milestones. He also informed participants of the series of high-level meetings held with donors and member countries on the progress made in addressing some of the challenges.

Following a fruitful discussion on the project update, the commercial framework meeting resolved that TRANSCO CLSG should inform each country of any challenges that may arise in the implementation of the project. Delegates were encouraged to continue to engage their respective governments in undertaking necessary arrangements to address such challenges in the implementation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the World Bank and the European Investment Bank announced their no-objections to the PPAs and TSAs, thus serving as a main boost to the project. “We have fulfilled the conditions precedent for disbursement of funds for the construction of the transmission line and sub stations,” Paul Saffa, Country Manager of Sierra Leone said following the announcement of the no-objection notes from the donors.

The participants registered their appreciation to TRANSCO CLSG for the successful organization of the meeting and the good progress made in the implementation of the CLSG project. They also expressed their deep appreciation to the people and Government of Cote d’Ivoire and particularly to President Alassane Ouattara, for the warm hospitality they enjoyed during their stay in Abidjan.