Mines and Energy Minister, Wilmot Paye seems upbeat about making progress in the energy sector on grounds that he was not appointed to complain. Paye said he was appointed to perform the duties and functions ascribed to the Ministry.
Speaking Tuesday at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, Paye indicated that the ministry is reviewing the Mineral and Mining Law of 2000, Mineral Policy and National Energy Policy of 2009.
Minister Paye said compliance review of mining licenses, contracts and mineral development agreements (MDAs), and conduct a capacity need assessment across the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
He also revealed that the Ministry is compiling available data on the power demand of major mining concessionaires while engaging with Ministries of Finance and Development Planning, Justice, and State for Presidential Affairs on the resolution of Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) arrears to CI-Energies to facilitate the increase in power import.
“We have Review existing distribution contracts between LEC and private operators; Initiate a review of the energy regulatory framework to improve efficiency,” he said.
Unfortunately, Paye said the ministry was helpless and needed to be restored before it could reassemble anything close to being functional or effective.
The first step to do this, Paye added was to do a complete documentary of the ministry and its facilities which is now available to be uploaded to the entity’s website upon reactivation.
Minister Paye bragged that even without a budget and needed fund to undertake any task that has financial implications, his administration has been working.
Due to strong teamwork, he told reporters that the ministry acquired a 150-KVA generator which was lacking for the last six years. The minister said he remains consistent with his pledge to restructure the Inspectorate Division.
He disclosed that his aim is to safeguard the country’s natural resources for the benefit of all Liberians.
“This is why we are anxious to get approval from the Ministry of Finance for our allotments. Mining activities, as you all know, do not occur here on Capitol Hill. The Ministry must move out if we must succeed. We are working on our own; we are reviewing the Mining and Minerals Law of 2000. As soon as this is completed, we will submit it to the President for his approval and subsequent transmission to the Legislature,” Minister Paye said.
