By: Emmanuel Tobotinho Quiah
Monrovia – LIBENERGY has raised serious concern over the increasing theft and vandalism of electrical cables in Harper City, warning that the growing trend poses significant risks to public safety and threatens the stability of electricity services across the city.
LIBENERGY is a mini provider of electricity in the Southeast, licensed by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC).
According to the company, unidentified individuals have repeatedly targeted transformer grounding cables and neutral cables from several communities in Harper in recent months, creating concern among engineers and technical personnel responsible for maintaining the city’s electrical distribution network.
The warning comes at a time when authorities and development partners are intensifying efforts to improve electricity access and reliability across Maryland County. LIBENERGY fears that continued vandalism could undermine these gains and slow ongoing development initiatives aimed at expanding energy services to residents.
In a public statement issued this week, the company described the incidents as criminal attacks on critical public infrastructure.
“These are not ordinary cables,” LIBENERGY stressed. “They are important safety components that protect both the electrical system and the public.”
Electrical experts explained that grounding, or earthing, cables safely direct excess electrical current into the ground during lightning strikes, power surges, or electrical faults. Without proper grounding, transformers become vulnerable to overheating, equipment failure, explosions, and fire outbreaks.
Engineers further noted that neutral cables play a major role in balancing electrical loads and maintaining stable voltage levels throughout the distribution system. Their removal can result in unstable electricity supply, voltage fluctuations, and damage to household appliances and business equipment.
LIBENERGY warned that continued theft and vandalism could disrupt electricity supply to schools, health facilities, government institutions, businesses, and homes throughout Maryland County.
A senior technical officer disclosed that replacing stolen cables requires emergency repair work, technical assessments, and additional financial resources that could otherwise be used to improve and expand electricity services.
“Every incident forces the company to redirect resources intended for development projects,” the official explained. “It slows progress, affects service delivery, and places additional financial pressure on the institution.”
Some residents in affected communities have already reported temporary blackouts linked to damaged transformers and compromised electrical connections caused by cable theft.
They also expressed concern that continued vandalism could worsen electricity challenges in Harper and negatively affect businesses and essential public services.
LIBENERGY confirmed that the matter has been formally reported to the Liberia National Police, with investigations ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible.
The company warned that individuals found guilty of tampering with or stealing public electrical infrastructure could face prosecution under laws relating to theft, destruction of public property, and acts that endanger public safety.
Meanwhile, LIBENERGY is calling for stronger community involvement in protecting public infrastructure.
Residents are being encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities around transformers and electrical installations, including unauthorized persons carrying electrical cables or attempting to tamper with power facilities.
Management emphasized that safeguarding electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of citizens, community leaders, local authorities, and youth groups.
“When these facilities are vandalized, the entire community suffers the consequences,” the company noted.
LIBENERGY reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity services while urging the public to work alongside law enforcement authorities in combating infrastructure vandalism across Harper City.
“Together, we can protect our electrical infrastructure, ensure public safety, support development, and maintain reliable electricity services for present and future generations,” the statement concluded.
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