USAID,Winrock, and ESG are Implementing the Liberia Energy Sector Support Program
ESG, as a subcontractor to Winrock International, recently won a four-year (2010 to 2014) contract to support USAID/Liberia in their efforts to increase access to affordable, renewable energy services in geographically focused rural and urban areas in order to foster economic, political, and social development.The project is entitled the Liberia Energy Sector Support Program, LESSP.ESG previously worked with IRG on the predecessor to the LESSP program, the Liberia Energy Assistance Program.
In particular, ESG is participating in Objective 1 of the contract: Strengthen the GOL's capacity to implement plans for rural electrification as expressed in the national energy sector policy. The following are the tasks associated with Objective 1:
Task 1: LESSP will conduct a skills assessment of human resources within the RREA, including identification of HR gaps and requirements for new hires. Task 2: LESSP will develop and execute a training plan for RREA/REFUND staff, using information generated in Task 1 above. LESSP will utilize the skills assessment in creating the training plan that will help build technical, managerial, and institutional capacity of RREA to implement its plans for rural electrification and achieve its goals and objectives. Task 3: LESSP will develop an action plan for an Electricity Regulatory Board in Liberia. This involves working with the MLME to create a plan for establishing an independent regulator who will reduce government interference/control and improve the enabling conditions for private sector participation in the energy sector. LESSP?s technical assistance will result in a detailed action plan that the GOL can use to create this important institution.
To support these activities, a private sector Coordinating Council will be formed. The Committee, comprised of local private sector entrepreneurs and firms in Liberia, will provide valuable inputs to the design, development, and implementation of activities conducted under Objective 1.
