GBARNGA, Jan 2 (LINA) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has consented to build a US$7m mini-hydro to provide electricity for residents of Suakoko District in Bong County.

The mini-hydro will be built at the Kpatawee Waterfall by USAID’s international implementing partner Windrock.

Bong County Development Superintendent Anthony Sheriff told the Liberia News Agency (LINA) Thursday that the project is expected to commence shortly.

He said when completed, the mini hydro will provide electricity to towns and villages around the waterfall, Cuttington University, Phebe Hospital and the Central Agriculture Research Institute in Suakoko.

Supt. Sheriff said the project will be managed by Cuttington, Phebe and a local cooperative, all of whom will serve as owners of the project.

“They will sell shares to businesses if they wish and no authority of the Bong County will have any dealing with it,” he noted.

LINA BMK/TSS/PTK