MONTSERRADO COUNTY, LIBERIA-Preparatory work for the construction of a twenty-megawatt solar power plant have commenced in Harrisburg, Montserrado County.

Speaking during a tour of the construction site, the Deputy Minister for Energy at the Mines and Energy Ministry, Charles Umehai, praised contractors for the fast pace with which they are getting the project off the ground.

Deputy Minister Umehai reechoed President Joseph Boakai’s deep concern about the availability of diversified sources of electricity to drive economic growth and other national development priorities.

He said:” The President’s concern is of paramount priority to the administration of the Mines and Energy Ministry, and the Ministry is happy with the level of progress being made in clearing the project site.”

Deputy Minister Umehai encouraged the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC)N Team to exert maximum effort at achieving their work plan in keeping with the timeline of the project and deliverables.

He said when completed and operationalized, the solar power plant will be a great backup to the Mount Coffee Hydro, Liberia’s main source of electricity.

According to Deputy Minister Charles Umehai, the renewable energy facility will significantly reduce the perennial power challenges Liberia is confronted with during the Dry Season, when the Mount Coffee Hydro experiences a drop in the water level.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Charles Umehai assured the public that the Mines and Energy Ministry will carry out regular assessment during every stage of the solar power plant construction to ensure optimum and timely result.

By: Anthony Vanwen