The EU has utilized US$63 Million to support the government of Liberia in it’s effort to provide electricity to all citizens, says EU head of delegation, Ambassador Delahousse.

The EU envoy spoke during launch of the first electrical connection in the Peace Island as part of Monrovia Consolidation of Electricity Transmission and Distribution.

The project styled “Light up Monrovia” (LUM), targets impoverished Communities in Monrovia and its environs.

 “We understand the urgency and need for all Liberians to be connected to the grid as soon as possible”. The EU envoy said in a statement at launch.

 He however observed that “these kinds of works are very complex and they take time: I want to commend the speed at which the project was achieved…  “, Ambassador said.

  He challenged Liberia to take ownership of the “Light up Monrovia” (LUM) project.

“Yes people want power, people need power. But I must reaffirm that illegal connections to the electrical grid are unjustifiable” he cautioned.

He said stealing electricity is a very serious offense punishable by law, says “It also puts in danger the lives of many with the risk of explosions from illegal overloading of the grid”.

 The EU official further noted that when electricity is available people will have to pay for the service to enable LEC cater to more people.

The EU ambassador said 40 boys and girls have received 6 months electrical engineering training by hired Contactors to speed up the project.

  He lauded the government for what he termed “Bringing light to the streets of Monrovia. This is essential for the security of women at night”.

Speaking further, Ambassador Delahousse clarified that “the support of the EU to the electrification of Liberia goes way beyond Peace Island”. He symbolically referred to President George Weah as “darkness medicine” because the launched project brings “power and light to the people, power and light to businesses and for more wealth and job creation”.

The project he said will also bring power and light to the families for a more comfortable everyday life. Power and light to children and students for better education.

“Today, we bring power to the people. This will in turn lead to more power of the people”. The EU official told those at the launch.

 Ambassador Delahousse has meanwhile reaffirmed EU’s commitment to the growth and development of the oldest African Republic.

 The EU provided funding to the ‘Light up Monrovia (LUM)’ project with over twenty (20) Communities, mostly impoverished suburbs in the Capital, Monrovia.

 Areas benefiting from the first phase includes Central Monrovia, Capitol Hill, parts of Sinkor- Jallah town,  Saye town, Old and New Matadi, Airfield among others.