Barely hours after Engr. Thomas Zailee Gonkerwon, Interim Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), was crowned “Most Outstanding State Actor of the Year 2024” by the African Journalists Network & SAPA TV, Monrovia has been hit with a massive electricity supply reduction.
The irony? The award was won on the back of what was described as LEC’s “best dry season electricity supply performance,” with no community experiencing prolonged outages of 8–10 hours under his leadership. Yet, as Monrovians basked in the glow of this celebrated achievement, the reality on the ground took a sharp and unexpected turn.
From 50MW to 7.5MW – The Lights Dim
In an official statement, LEC regretted to inform the public that Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Électricité (CIE), its power supplier under a Power Purchase Agreement, had abruptly slashed electricity supply by a staggering 85% due to production challenges and critical maintenance. This drastic cut reduced power provision from 50MW to a mere 7.5MW, leaving Monrovia and surrounding areas bracing for outages that extend far beyond the normal schedule.
While LEC has scrambled to activate its thermal power plant to offset the crisis, the reality is clear: the solution is far from enough, especially with the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant struggling due to declining water levels.
A Celebration Cut Short
For many, this development raises a pressing question, how does an institution celebrate “outstanding performance” one minute and announce a near blackout the next? If indeed, LEC has had its best dry season performance, what does this crisis say about sustainability?
Engr. Gonkerwon has undoubtedly led LEC through a period of relative stability in electricity distribution. But is this a mere band-aid solution in a system still heavily reliant on external power? How prepared is Liberia to navigate such shocks without Monrovia plunging into darkness?
The Way Forward?
As LEC scrambles for alternatives, the public is left to endure the consequences. Patience may be requested, but frustration is inevitable. The bigger issue at hand? Liberia’s energy sector remains vulnerable, and without long-term solutions, awards will mean little when homes and businesses are left without power.
The lights may be flickering in Monrovia, but the spotlight is now on LEC’s leadership. Can they prove that this award was earned, and not just a temporary high before yet another energy crisis unfolds?
Discover more from Geez Liberia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
