LIBERIA WILL NOT HINDER CLSG PROJECT…Min. Russ

The Chairperson of the National Monitoring Committee for the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) of the CLSG project in Liberia says government is on par with the project and will not encumber its implementation.

In his opening remarks at the regular session of the National Monitoring Committee Tuesday, May 24, 2016, Mr. Sam Russ, reaffirmed Liberia’s unwavering supports to the CLSG project, adding that a Treaty signed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will be adhered to.

Mr. Russ, who is also the Deputy Minister of Lands, Mine and Energy said the CLSG is a transnational project that requires synchronization with other countries. Therefore, Liberia cannot be seen as a delay for no other reason. He called on members of the committee to work as a team, adding, “We should make sure we mitigate all the possibilities of frustration or attempt to delay or frustrate the schedule that would be set.”

The Minister emphasized that Liberia should not be seen as the one holding the CLSG project back. “We are going to make sure we are doing the right thing to move the project forward,” he assured. He said the government of Liberia is on course with the CLSG project as it has attached priority to all of its programs to be implemented. “The EMSP and RAP issues are extremely important for us because it will foster our development program.”

Mr. Russ urged that careful attention must be paid to the implementation of the ESMP and RAP activities, because there are some significant risks, if not implemented properly. According to him, TRANSCO CLSG also attaches importance to the CLSG interconnection project’s priority programs to make sure they are addressed appropriately, adding, “this is a recognition of how important it is to the major infrastructure program.”

On the set up of local committees, the Minister urged the National Monitoring Committee to target the right group of people and not just government authorities, but non-government authorities including youth, women, community leaders, among others, making sure they are fully aware of the project, understating and mitigating all of the possibilities of other interests that will frustrate the objective of the project.

“This is extremely important,” he declared.

The regular session concludes Wednesday, May 25, 2016 and the TRANSCO CLSG team along with the NMC will travel to Buchanan to launch the local committtee and sensitization activities on Thursday, May 26, 2016.