CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA, November 13, 2026 — Grand Kru County Senator Numene T. H. Bartekwa has called on the Liberian Senate to allocate US$5 million in the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 National Budget to provide solar electricity to five major communities in the county.
Senator Bartekwa expressed concern that Grand Kru is being left behind in the government’s nationwide electricity expansion program, claiming that electrification projects are underway in the country’s other 14 counties.
In a communication submitted to Senate Plenary on Thursday, November 12, the lawmaker urged his colleagues to intervene, warning that the county’s continued exclusion from electricity development is affecting residents and businesses.
According to Bartekwa, county authorities have engaged the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) to explore solar electrification as a cost-effective alternative to conventional grid expansion.
He disclosed that RREA estimated approximately US$1 million to construct a mini-solar grid in each of five major communities, bringing the total proposed investment to US$5 million.
The targeted communities are Barclayville, Grandcess, Buah Geeken, Sasstown and Garaway.
Bartekwa said RREA had assured county authorities of its readiness to construct solar systems similar to the one operating in Totota, Bong County, once funding becomes available.
The senator argued that Grand Kru’s continued lack of electricity contradicts the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes infrastructure expansion and improved access to essential services.
He maintained that while electricity poles, transmission lines and household connections are being installed elsewhere, Grand Kru residents continue to depend heavily on costly generators to power their homes and businesses.
“This situation of Grand Kru County being left out of the electricity provision in the country is a very serious problem to our people, as they are now beginning to question our representation on their behalf,” Bartekwa stated.
He appealed to Senate Plenary to mandate its relevant budget committees to consider the proposed US$5 million allocation during deliberations on the FY2027 National Budget.
According to him, the investment would reduce residents’ dependence on expensive generators, improve business activities and ensure that Grand Kru benefits from the government’s electricity expansion initiatives.
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