MONROVIA – Monie R. Captan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), has disclosed a significant reduction in power supply from Ivory Coast to Liberia, slashing it by 80%.
In an interview with OK FM on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Captan revealed that Ivory Coast, which previously supplied Liberia with 50 megawatts of electricity through the CLSG, has scaled down the current load to a mere 10 megawatts.
Captan cited difficulties with Ivory Coast’s power generation source as the reason behind the drastic reduction, leaving Liberia grappling with a substantial energy deficit.
The alarming report on Liberia’s energy provision status has stirred fear and distress among the populace, particularly in Monrovia and its environs, as the decision is poised to impact numerous households.
Recalling President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s state visit to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on March 7, 2024, discussions with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara centered on various issues, including Liberia-Cote d’Ivoire relations, electricity, agriculture, and regional security.
However, the aftermath of the visit reveals a lack of tangible progress, as Ivory Coast has not bolstered its support to Liberia and is instead slashing the previously supplied megawatts on the CLSG grid.
With the rainy season underway, and hopes for hydroelectric power revival, concerns loom over households facing potential electricity shortages. Critics predict heightened discomfort due to intense heat and increased security risks with darkness providing cover for criminal activities during the night.
