New energy minister supports CLSG project

Monrovia, Liberia, March 2, 2018: The Minister of Energy of the Republic of Liberia says the CLSG interconnection project is a priority and that the government of President George Weah and the people of Liberia fully support the project.

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“We are in full support of the regional project,” said Minister Gesler E. Murray, during a courtesy visit at his office by the visiting General Manager of TRANSCO CLSG, Mohammed M. Sherif and delegation on Friday, March, 2, 2018.

The General Manager, along with his senior level delegation is in Liberia to continue the compensation of project affected people who are occupying the transmission line and substation corridors in Liberia. TRANSCO CLSG recently launched the compensation process of project affected people in Makeni, Sierra Leone.

Flanked by his Deputy Minister for Operation, Emmanuel O Sherman, the Energy Minister asserted that the government recognizes the dire need for electricity in the country, adding, “the CLSG project is highly welcome. Liberia will become an energy exporter.” He assured the General Manager and delegation that his office will work tirelessly with the transmission company to ensure the full benefit of the project reaches the people across the country.

“We need this project,” Minister Murray reiterated and disclosed that government looks forward to making the benefits of the rural electrification component of the CLSG to align with its pro-poor agenda. “Let me assure you again, that we are in full support of this project and you can count on our fullest cooperation.”

The Minister also assured the TRANSCO CLSG team that his ministry will work with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that an access network is put in place so that the CLSG transmission line is utilized effectively.

Earlier, Mr. Sherif updated Minister Murray on the progress and challenges in the implementation of the CLSG project. He stressed that the rural electrification component of the project is key, adding that a shield wire system forms part of the component that will benefit villages along the line route. “We have already identified those villages,” he disclosed.

The General Manager emphasized that a task force to include donors and key stakeholders is required to draw a plan that will primarily focus on utilizing the electricity that is coming. He urged the beneficiary countries to build a network that will utilize the power. “It wont look good to have a transmission line passing over and people not making use of it.”

The TRANSCO CLSG delegation at the meeting included Messrs. Jigba Yilla, Finance and Administration Director, Entienne Bailly, Director of the Project Implementation Unit (DPIU), Jerry Taylor, Liberia’s Country Manager and Sidiki Trawally, Communication Officer.