By Monrovia, Liberia– The Honorable House of Representatives has decided to investigate allegations against the Liberia Electricity Cooperation, including the CEO’s alleged exorbitant salary and benefits and the ongoing problem of power shortages.The committee on State Owned Enterprises and Public Utilities was mandated by Plenary to conduct the investigation on LEC.
The decision to probe accusation leveled against the management of LEC and the inconsistency of power supply across Montserrado was reached Thursday, 15 February 2024 during its 11th Day Sitting based on a communication from Nimba County Electoral District 9 Rep. Taa Wongbe.
The Plenary instructed the inquiry’s members on state-owned companies and Public Utilities to look into LEC.
Following a letter from Nimba County Electoral District Nine Rep. Taa Wongbe, the committee decided on Thursday, the fifteenth of February 2024, in its 11th Day Sitting, to look into the accusations made concerning the leadership of LEC and the inconsistent availability of electricity throughout Montserrado.
The Nimba County lawmaker stated that according to various reports in his possession, there seems to be a governance issue at the LEC, with the current CEO also serving as Chairman of the Board. Plenary would like him to clarify along with the justification for his monthly salary, and that of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the LEC, which is reported to be USD $17,000.00 and $26,655.00 respectively.
The legislator from Nimba County claimed that based on multiple reports he has access to, there appears to be a problem with the LEC’s governance because the present CEO also holds the position of Chairman of the Board. Plenary would like him to provide clarification, as well as the rationale behind his monthly compensation of USD $17,000.00 and the COO’s remuneration of $26,655.00 inside the LEC, accordingly.
After a period of two weeks, the Commission is supposed present its findings to the Session.
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
