Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung has warned of possible citizen rebellion due to the slow pace of development and ongoing electricity shortages in Liberia. He emphasized the link between electricity availability and healthcare, agriculture, and overall economic stability during a recent ceremony. Koung called for urgent actions and investments in renewable energy projects to alleviate these issues.
In a recent statement, Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung expressed significant concern regarding the potential for citizen unrest stemming from the slow pace of development, particularly the persistent lack of stable electricity in Liberia. He emphasized that the electricity issue is critical, noting, “This electricity issue can crumble a country,” during a commissioning ceremony for the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project held on February 12, 2025.
VP Koung elaborated on the frustrations of citizens who frequently encounter power outages, highlighting the social media discourse surrounding these incidents. He warned, “You could wake up one morning, and the people take to the streets, and they can bring the government down,” stressing that public patience is dwindling.
During his address, Vice President Koung outlined the significance of electricity in the context of the government’s ARREST agenda, where energy and agriculture are emphasized. He posited that the success of agriculture is inextricably linked to the availability of electricity, stating, “Agriculture will never thrive without the availability of electricity.”
He further elaborated on the profound impact of electricity on healthcare, explaining that medical diagnostics depend on electronic machines—a need that arises from reliable energy sources. He criticized the Vision 2030 initiative proposed by development partners for being too slow to produce immediate benefits for Liberians.
VP Koung urged international partners to prioritize renewable energy projects such as the proposed solar farm at Scheffline and the expansion of the Mount Coffee hydro facility. He asserted that these developments are vital for improving energy availability and preventing medical emergencies caused by power outages during surgeries.
In conclusion, Vice President Koung’s concerns underscore the urgent need for immediate action to address Liberia’s electricity shortages, which are hindering development and could lead to civil unrest. He advocates for targeted efforts to enhance energy generation, which is essential for supporting agriculture, healthcare, and overall economic stability. His remarks serve as a call to action for both the government and its partners to focus on effective solutions to the pressing energy crisis.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
