Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung has warned of a potential citizen rebellion in Liberia driven by frustrations over slow development and unreliable electricity. He stressed the urgency of addressing energy needs to stabilize the government and enhance economic growth, criticizing long-term plans that overlook immediate necessities. Koung highlighted the importance of electricity for agriculture, healthcare, and reducing living costs.
Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah K. Koung, has expressed significant concern regarding the potential for civil unrest due to the sluggish pace of development and the persistent lack of stable electricity in the country. Addressing the issue at a recent commissioning ceremony, he highlighted that citizens are losing patience, which could lead to serious consequences for the government if the electricity situation remains unresolved.
VP Koung noted that citizens are vocal about their frustrations, often taking to social media to express grievances about power outages. He cautioned that this could escalate to mass protests, endangering the government’s stability. The Vice President emphasized the crucial role that electrical supply plays in maintaining social stability and economic growth within Liberia.
During his remarks at the Liberia Energy Efficiency and Access Project event, he underscored that without reliable electricity, progress in agriculture and healthcare will be severely hindered. He remarked that both energy and road infrastructure are essential foundations for the country’s development and that agricultural success depends heavily on energy availability, particularly for food storage.
Vice President Koung criticized the long-term focus of development partners with their Vision 2030 initiative, arguing that it does not align with the urgent needs of the Liberian populace. He pointed out that the global agenda for sustainable development includes critical goals that Liberia cannot wait until 2030 to achieve, especially considering the immediate struggles faced by citizens.
He welcomed efforts to develop renewable energy sources, particularly upcoming solar projects and the expansion of the Mount Coffee hydroelectric plant. Yet, he emphasized the need for a more robust focus on power generation to prevent tragic outcomes, such as power outages during critical healthcare procedures, which could lead to loss of life.
The Vice President articulated that reliable electricity would not only enhance healthcare but also significantly lower living costs, as many families currently cannot store perishable food without constant power supply. Addressing these energy needs is fundamental to resolving the day-to-day challenges faced by the citizens of Liberia.
In summary, Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung has raised alarms about the potential for civil unrest in Liberia due to underdevelopment and unreliable electricity supply. He underscores the critical importance of immediate energy solutions for economic growth and social stability, criticizes long-term development plans that fail to address urgent needs, and urges international partners to prioritize the enhancement of power generation.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
