Liberia's power sector is in a crucial transition phase. The
state-owned utility is reverting to government control after the
end of a privatisation programme financed with grants. There are
proposals to lower operating risks by limiting political
interference and checking electricity theft. The political costs
will be weighty as President George Weah prepares to run for
another six-year term in 2023.
Significance – Transition
ESB International ended its management services contract for the
LEC on 20 July, six months before the five-year contract will
expire. This project was largely funded by the US Millennium
Challenge Corporation (MCC) through one of its compact programmes.
The Irish firm ESB was hired to reduce the utility's commercial
losses, strengthen its human capacity and increase new electricity
connections. Now, the MCC programme has been completed and the
utility has returned to state management.
