Friday, May 24, 2013 11:13 
Chief Karwor Wants Speedy Action On BR Concession
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The chairman of the National Traditional Council of Liberia, Chief Zanzan Karwor, is calling on all stakeholders for speedy action on the Buchanan Renewables Power Concession which is under review by the IMCC. Speaking recently at the Providence Island in Monrovia, Chief Karwor said; the issue of light (electric current) was very important and key in the advancement of the country and its people after a prolonged civil unrest that devastated the energy sector of the country.
He lauded efforts by the Legislature and the Executive aimed at taking the most appropriate action that will protect the interest of the people who are the direct beneficiaries of light while conforming to the country's energy policy.
The traditional leader believes that speedy conclusion of the BR Power concession review will help keep jobs currently held by citizens in Montserrado, Margibi and Bassa at BR Fuel operations and will ensure more employment for Liberians during the construction and operation of the BR Power Plant, thus reducing the unemployment rate in the country.
Commenting on BR Fuel operations in his County of Grand Bassa, Chief Karwor said; BRF is a major partner to the Grand Bassa Community College through its technical Vocational Training program (hands on training) and the provision of scholarships for deserving students of all high schools in Grand Bassa annually since 2010 to present.
He cited the redevelopment of farms (rejuvenation of the rubber sector) as one of the interesting initiatives of BR Fuel as it helps smallholder farmers to grow new rubber trees by planting at least one rubber tree for every tree removed from slaughtered rubber farms. This is helping to revamp the industry.
He then asked President Sirleaf to ensure that companies in Liberia who agreed to supply power (light) to Liberia should be given the chance to live up to the terms and conditions of their contracts.
He also called on government to encourage rural investment across the country and vowed to make their land available to investors to bring development to their respective counties and districts.
It can be recalled that President Sirleaf in a letter, dated July 4, to the House of Representatives in session assured the nation through the House that the BR Power project is imminent given the proposed restructured deal put forth by BR Power which would entail less stringent financial terms.
Records show that, BR Power has completed the required Environmental Social Impact Assessment and a resettlement action plan related to the transmission line and obtained an environmental permit from the Liberian Environmental Protection Agency;
BR Power has also tendered for and negotiated construction contracts with local and international contractors to build the power plant. To date, BR Power has spent in excess of US$20 million in legal, engineering, and other development costs given legally binding commitments made by the Government and LEC, as well as the concession agreement that was ratified by the Legislature in 2009.
With the latest call coming from the quarter of the traditional chiefs at their just ended decentralization conference, every Liberian is set to see the much talked about biomass fueled power plant moving forward as the people quest for electricity cannot be overemphasized.
