By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Senior Reporter
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan led a high-profile joint mission of the Liberian government and the European Union (EU) to Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, to assess progress on the “Light Up the Southeast (LUSE) Project.” The initiative, which kicked off in 2024, is being funded through a US$43 million EU grant secured by the Liberian government. Its goal is ambitious: to fully electrify Buchanan in Grand Bassa, Greenville in Sinoe, and Barclayville in Grand Kru by 2026.
According to Minister Ngafuan, the project is a critical step toward fulfilling the administration’s commitment to expanding electricity access across the country. “Increasing energy access from 33% to at least 75% in five years is a major commitment of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration,” Ngafuan stated, expressing confidence that Liberia is on course to meet its energy targets under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
The Rural Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), tasked with implementing the project, has engaged multiple contractors, including MBH and Jungle Energy Power (JEP), to roll out the electrification plan. Minister Ngafuan and the delegation inspected ongoing works and held discussions with stakeholders on how best to accelerate the process.
During the visit, the delegation was warmly received by Grand Bassa County Senator and Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, alongside other county officials. Their presence underscored the significance of the LUSE project to the people of Grand Bassa and the broader southeastern region.
For years, southeastern Liberia has struggled with poor electricity coverage, leaving businesses, schools, and households heavily reliant on costly and inefficient alternatives like generators and firewood. The LUSE project, therefore, represents a beacon of hope for many residents, promising not just improved access to power but also economic transformation and better living conditions.
As Liberia pushes toward its ambitious energy goals, initiatives like LUSE are expected to play a crucial role in bridging the country’s electricity gap. Minister Ngafuan remains optimistic, stating that beyond Buchanan, similar interventions are already in the pipeline to ensure that the country moves steadily towards universal energy access.
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