Nimba County Secures Climate Change Grant For Solar Smart Cities Initiative

By: Sei T. Koyea, Jr, Nimba County

In a major step towards building climate resilience in Liberia, Nimba County has emerged as one of the two counties selected to receive a grant of up to US $200 thousand for climate change adaptation.

Speaking to reporters in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, after a week-long workshop hosted by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Government of Liberia, Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono disclosed that she presented a proposal, which according to her impressed donors with its comprehensive design, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. 

 “Nimba was voted the number one county based on the strength of Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono’s presentation, design, and cost efficiency; Superintendent Gono stated.

Adding “This grant will help us build solar smart cities in Sanniquellie and Karnplay which will increase safe environment and also boost economic activities,”

She noted that Nimba’s selection as a pilot county in the local initiative marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s journey toward sustainable climate adaptation.  

The Nimba County Superintendent said the awarding of the contract to would be responsive company will go through a competitive bidding process in line with the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC).

She added that Nimba’s proposal was among those preferred, along with Lofa County, as part of the pilot phase of the local grant program, citing that the initiative aims to empower local governments and communities to make investments that build resilience to climate change impacts.

Madam Gono indicated that the exact amount to be disbursed, between $150,000 and $200,000 per county, will be communicated in an official letter, based on performance in implementing the projects, as additional funding may be allocated in the future years.

She asserted that Nimba’s success in securing this grant represents a major step forward in its efforts to build climate resilience and promote sustainable development in the county, pointing out that the project will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance energy access and environmental sustainability for local communities in the county.

The grant, which is part of “Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility Initiative” will be used to support Nimba County’s proposal to transform Sanniquellie and Karnplay into climate-smart cities through the development of solar-powered municipal infrastructure.

The workshop held from September 17-20, 2024, at a local hotel in Monrovia, focused on the validation and operationalization of the Local program in Liberia, with discussions centered on empowering local governments and fostering community-driven climate change solutions.

The workshop emphasized the need for innovative solutions to address climate change and improve the livelihoods of Liberians at the local level.