MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai has issued Executive Order #38 exempting the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) from customs duty and on the transmission and distribution of the LEC equipment and materials.

President Boakai said:” The Executive Order re-echoes the Government of Liberia’s desire to ensure that electricity is affordable and accessible to the public.”

An Executive Mansion release issued recently says while the LEC continues to encounter external forces and risks that elevate its operational costs, the institution has remained unbending on expanding its hydroelectric capabilities in the country.

The release said despite these efforts, the costs associate with the delivery, storage, and utilization of fossil fuels, notably Heavy Fuel Oil, have significantly burdened the LEC, thus impeding its smooth operations.

The release, however, quotes the Liberian Leader as urging the LEC to continue expanding its customers base by demonstrating commercially viable results as the Government of Liberia remains committed to support such move.

At the same time, President Boakai has issued Executive order #39 suspending tariff on Agriculture products.

The release described the high tariff imposed on agricultural inputs as a significant barrier that is stalling growth in the sector, as well as the livelihood of rural farmers.

According to the release, these tariffs breach the Government’s strategic goals outlined in the ARREST Agenda, and undermine the efforts to promote affordability and economic change within the economy.

The Government of Liberia says the suspension of tariffs on Agricultural inputs will increase access to high quality agricultural inputs at a more affordable price and enhance agricultural productivity in Liberia.

Meanwhile, the Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Forestry and Agricultural Sectors by taking decisive action to enhance macro-economic stability and growth.