By Kruah Thompson
BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County, July 24, 2026 — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has commissioned several development projects in Grand Bassa County as part of activities leading to Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebrations.
The projects include a Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia-Sierra Leone-Guinea (CLSG) electricity substation in Harlandsville, a Commissioner’s Compound, a Presidential Lounge, doctors’ quarters, an old folks’ home and road projects.
The Commissioner’s Compound and Presidential Lounge were financed through the County and Social Development Funds.
President Boakai arrived in Grand Bassa on Thursday, July 23, and was welcomed by county officials, residents, farmers and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture.
During the visit, he commissioned and activated the CLSG substation, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to expand electricity access in Buchanan and surrounding communities.
The African Development Bank-financed electrification project is being implemented in Grand Bassa, River Cess, Bong and Nimba counties.
According to the government, the project is expected to connect more than 20,500 customers, benefit over 120 rural communities and install approximately 3,800 streetlights across the four counties.
The initiative complements the European Union-funded South-East Electrification Project and other efforts to connect homes, businesses, public institutions and places of worship to reliable electricity.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah said the activation of the substation would expand electricity access and support economic and social development in Buchanan and nearby communities.
Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley and other county officials welcomed the President and said many of the projects were executed by local contractors, with residents providing labour.
Findley said the use of local contractors and workers created employment opportunities while contributing to the county’s development.
The senator also acknowledged that insufficient maintenance funding had contributed to the deterioration of public infrastructure in the past.
He said the county has now allocated a percentage of its County Development Fund for the maintenance of completed projects.
Findley noted that Grand Bassa receives annual revenue from concession companies and other sources, including approximately US$1.5 million from ArcelorMittal Liberia and about US$1 million from the Forestry Development Authority and other sources.
He said portions of those resources would be used to maintain the county’s infrastructure.
Meanwhile, farmers and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture displayed locally produced crops and livestock as part of activities marking the Independence Day celebrations.
Liberia’s 179th Independence Day celebration is scheduled to take place in Buchanan on July 26.
