By CPNTV
FISH TOWN, RIVER GEE – Tensions boiled over in Fish Town early Tuesday morning as residents took to the streets to protest a worsening power crisis. The demonstration marks a significant escalation in public frustration over the failing West Africa Power Pool (WAPP) project.
Youth Barricade Major Highways
Beginning in the early hours of Tuesday, January 19, 2026, angry youths erected barricades across the city’s main corridors. The protesters successfully blocked the strategic highway connecting River Gee to Maryland County, effectively halting transit and commerce in the region.
A Growing Regional Crisis
The unrest follows weeks of mounting dissatisfaction. Just last week, Maryland County Superintendent Henry Cole expressed his frustration during a radio appearance in Harper. Accompanied by Engr. Henry Hodge, Manager of the subcontractor LIBENERGY, Cole criticized the “inadequate and inefficient” power supply and pledged to seek intervention from central authorities in Monrovia. The results of that diplomatic mission remain unknown.
The “Blame Game”: Substandard Materials and Bureaucracy
During the same broadcast, LIBENERGY’s Engr. Hodge shifted the blame toward COMPTREND, the contractor responsible for the grid extension from Pleebo to Fish Town. Hodge alleged that:
- Substandard Materials: The contractor reportedly used inferior components that have already begun to fail.
- LEC Gridlock: Hodge claimed the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has refused to allow LIBENERGY to fix the issues, despite the subcontractor offering to underwrite the total cost of the repairs.
Residents Demand Action
For the people of Fish Town, the corporate finger-pointing offers little relief. Protesters on the ground indicate they are tired of excuses and demand immediate restoration of stable electricity.
Local authorities have not yet released a formal statement regarding the roadblocks, and it remains unclear if any arrests have been made.
This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.