Mar 03, 2026 (The Liberian Investigator/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --
Community engagement efforts under the Liberia Electricity Sector Strengthening and Access Project (LESSAP) continue to gain momentum as local leaders deepen their cooperation with ongoing electrification activities in Montserrado County.
On February 13, 2026, LESSAP Communication Consultant Mr. Jarlawah A. Tonpo convened a stakeholders' meeting in Lot Two of the project area, covering Districts 1 and 2. The session brought together community leaders to discuss safeguarding electricity infrastructure and strengthening community support ahead of the planned expansion of power services.
Opening the meeting, Mr. Tonpo thanked community representatives for their consistent participation in project discussions and urged continued collaboration. He reassured participants that the project is actively progressing and emphasized that electrification of their communities is forthcoming. He noted that access to electricity will improve safety, enhance nighttime visibility, and contribute to reducing criminal activity.
Mr. Tonpo also issued a firm caution against illegal connections and power theft, describing them as criminal offenses that carry legal penalties. He encouraged communities to cooperate fully with the project's Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), stressing that compliance will accelerate implementation and connection timelines.
Speaking on behalf of participants, Madame Oretha Richards, Chairlady of the Glozon Community, expressed strong community commitment to the project. She highlighted that some communities have already signed and notarized waivers allowing the clearing of live trees in project corridors without compensation to speed up electrification. While reaffirming support for LESSAP, she appealed for clearer timelines, noting that residents frequently ask when power will reach their communities.
LESSAP is a national initiative designed to expand electricity access, strengthen infrastructure, and improve stakeholder engagement across Liberia. Implemented in partnership with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and local communities. LESSAP, with funding from the World Bank, seeks to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to homes, businesses, schools, and health facilities, supporting economic growth and social development.
Key components of the project include expanding electricity connections in Monrovia and other urban centers, upgrading transmission and distribution networks, strengthening LEC's institutional capacity, and implementing community engagement and resettlement measures where required.
At the close of the meeting, community leaders unanimously pledged to discourage power theft and to educate residents about the safe use of electricity. They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting infrastructure and supporting the project as a shared investment in long-term development.
COMTEX_474581866/2029/2026-03-03T11:06:15
by The Liberian Investigator
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