Resuscitation of the damaged electric power infrastructure in Liberia is estimated to cost one billion U. S. dollars, according to a report issued here on Tuesday by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The report, coordinated by the West Africa Power Pool (WAPP), is the result of an assessment of the energy situation in the three Mano River Union countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The report quoted the seven-member assessment team as calling for funding for the sector to aid Liberia's quest for economic stability.

The report is expected to be presented this week at an experts meeting of the first WAPP general assembly scheduled for Cotonou, Benin Republic.

According to the report, the funds would be required for preparatory activities and implementation of eight projects, including the development of an electricity master plan for the country.

Other projects, it said, included the redevelopment of sub- transmission and distribution network, and the development of the Mount Coffee hydro-electric project.

The report said the funds would be required for importation of electricity from neighboring Cote d'Ivoire to service four border towns in Liberia, and for inter-connectivity.

The seven-member expert team which commenced its assessment in April attributed the situation to plundering of generation, transmission and distribution facilities during the civil war.

The report also recommended the establishment of independent power plants of between 15 and 20 mega watts as short-term measures, adding that earmarked projects be pursued as long-term solutions.

The Liberian power sector was destroyed following decades of civil wars which devastated the West African country.

Source: Xinhua