By G. Bennie Bravo Johnson
Over the weekend, a high-powered delegation comprising representatives from the World Bank West Region office, Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the Liberia Electricity Corporation, visited Valayanah in lower Bong County, to engage with stakeholders and local residents regarding the proposed construction of the St. Paul 2 hydropower dam project (SP2).
Leading the delegation was Franz Drees-Gross, Director of Infrastructure in the World Bank’s Africa West region. He was joined by Mr. Monies Captain, Executive Director of LEC, and officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The team also included Mr. Bill Harkins, Project Manager, and Mr. William Thompson, Project Engagement Consultant.
During the visit, the delegation assessed the project site, engaged in discussions with the community, and received a technical briefing from the project manager. This initiative aligns with President Boakai’s vision for the energy sector, as demonstrated during the recent Energy Sector Round Table at the Executive Mansion, where he expressed full support for the project. In response, the World Bank pledged an impressive US$300 million towards the endeavor.
The on-site interactions with local communities and the detailed project briefing signify the commencement of feasibility studies. While the total project cost is estimated at approximately US$6 million, the government of Liberia has already secured a commitment of US$3 million from the World Bank for the initial phases of the project. This promising development sets the stage for transformative changes in the energy landscape of Lower Bong County.
SP2 is an initiative of the government of Liberia headed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and development partners, particularly the World Bank, and implemented by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) through its Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
During the engagement, the delegation was received at the entrance of the town by a women’s group, elders, and youth who sang songs and presented gifts including rice, white male chicken, rice, and money in the plant as part of their tradition which demonstrates that they are welcome.
Providing an interview technical brief to the World Bank delegation at the project sit through the artistry designer, Mr. Bill Hakins, Project Manager said the SP2 is the second project of the St. Paul River hydropower cascade and it’s divided into four main components
According to him, the project has 6.5 km dams including the main and saddle dam, creating a reservoir of 264 million c.m while it also has an intake and a powerhouse comprising of 3 kaplam × 49mw=148, annual energy output of 758 GWh.
He disclosed that the third components include about 80 km of 225kv transmission line connecting the project to the Mount Coffee substation and an upgrade of a 27km access road from Bong Mines to the project site.
“There are more facilities that will be coming out over the next months, weeks years and that includes the economic Environmental and Social Safeguard studies. These studies are going to guide the plan for the project looking at transmission lines, farmland, the safety of homes and the water, and also the animals living there. If there is a means for relocation all of that thing will be addressed,” he concluded.
Speaking during the Town Hall meeting with the residents, World Bank Regional Director, Mr. Franz Dress-Gross extolled the locals for the warm welcome and expressed happiness that they have demonstrated love for the project.
According to him, recently they met with President Joseph Nyumah Boakai during a round table discussion held at the Executive Mansion on the energy sector and they talked about the project and the president understood and said they would build the dam.
“Today we have come to hear from you if you want this dam. The World Bank, we have built dams in many countries. We want this project to bring light to the Liberian people. This project is big.”
For his part, the Corporate Communication Manager of the Liberia Electricity Corporation Mr. Philip Farley said because the people are excited and welcome the construction of the dam, they will make them happy and satisfied.
Mr. Farley disclosed that the government of Liberia has acquired a commitment of US$300m for the project, something he described as a great step in achieving the project while expressing optimism for the remaining.
According to him, President Boakai told the World Bank and everyone that his hand is behind the new project during their round table energy discussion with the president.
“Let me tell you, the president after listening to the World Bank delegation explaining about this project accepted and said they have his 100% support. And so, we are so happy for the welcome and gifts that you have provided us. We will make you happy” he noted.