A street in Juba. South Sudan's capital city lacks a reliable power
supply network due to dilapidated infrastructure. PHOTO | FILE |
NATION MEDIA GROUP
By KENNEDY SENELWA
In Summary
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $14.57 million supplementary loan for South Sudan's power project.
The money will be used to rehabilitate and expand electricity distribution networks in the capital city.
Juba lacks a reliable power supply network due to
dilapidated infrastructure. Consumers are therefore forced to rely on
diesel generators.
“The project will contribute in reducing inefficiencies in the
power distribution network and increase electricity access in Juba,"
said Gabriel Negatu, AfDB’s director- general of the East Africa
regional development and business delivery office.
He added: "The project will increase the electrification rate in south Sudan, both for residential and commercial use."
Mr Negatu said that the country’s infrastructure particularly
the energy sector is in its infancy and would require substantial
investments to create an enabling environment for economic development.
He said that South Sudan needs the support of development partners to forge ahead.
The money will be used to build 145 kilometres of 33kilovot (kV)
lines, 370 km of 415 and 230 volt lines, buy 20,000 pre-paid meters to
connect new customers to the national grid, and buy and install 195
transformer stations.
The supplementary loan to be distributed under the African
Development Fund, covers a budget deficit of the total project financing
granted four years ago.
On December 18, 2013, AfDB approved a grant of $26 million to finance South Sudan's power project.
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