Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County – July 24, 2025 — In a move signaling his development-focused legislative agenda, Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative Jeremiah Garwo Sokan has launched a large-scale streetlight installation initiative aimed at enhancing safety, commerce, and social life across his district. The project, which will roll out more than 600 solar-powered streetlights, is being viewed as both a practical infrastructure upgrade and a broader strategy to stimulate economic and community growth in southeastern Liberia.
The streetlight deployment began this week with 150 units earmarked for Zwedru City, the county’s administrative hub. The remainder will be strategically distributed across outlying towns and villages throughout District #1. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with LIB Energy, a local renewable energy provider.
Representative Sokan emphasized that the primary goals of the project are to reduce nighttime insecurity, support small-scale businesses, and improve overall quality of life. “This is part of our effort to ensure safer communities, boost petty trade, and enhance nightlife across the district,” Sokan said during the launch ceremony.
In an unusual but symbolic commitment, the lawmaker has pledged to personally cover the maintenance and electricity costs associated with the solar-powered lights, a move that underscores his hands-on approach to governance and fiscal responsibility. While solar energy typically minimizes utility costs, the promise reflects an intent to guarantee uninterrupted operation and accountability.
The timing of the project’s unveiling, just days before Liberia’s 178th Independence Day celebrations, is significant. Sokan is set to deliver a comprehensive legislative performance report at Zwedru City Hall on July 25, during which he will outline his achievements since taking office and provide updates on ongoing and future initiatives. The streetlight project is expected to feature prominently in that report, serving as a tangible example of his commitment to local development.
Beyond its immediate utility, the streetlight initiative is seen as part of a wider push to modernize infrastructure in Grand Gedeh, a county often overlooked in national-level development planning. Improved public lighting has implications for public safety, especially in areas where criminal activity is more prevalent after dark. It also facilitates nighttime economic activity, which is vital for small traders, transport operators, and local entertainment venues.
Analysts say the project aligns with broader national goals around decentralization and inclusive growth. By investing in basic infrastructure at the district level, lawmakers like Sokan contribute to reducing regional disparities and reinforcing government presence in underserved communities.
Sokan’s efforts also reflect a growing trend among Liberian lawmakers to deliver visible, high-impact projects
