AfDB finances Juba power distribution upgrade
Juba, South Sudan (PANA)-The government of South Sudan on Thursday commissioned a $38 million upgraded power distribution system financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The Bank said in a statement on Friday that the upgrade is geared towards restoring reliable electricity supply to Juba’s central business district and boost suburban livelihoods. Juba is the capital of South Sudan.
The Juba Power Distribution System Rehabilitation and Expansion Project is the first in a series of major energy sector interventions by the Bank to improve livelihoods and build resilience in South Sudan.
As its counterpart contribution, the government provided land for the construction of five customer service centres, the Bank said.
The project aims to scale up electricity access and use in South Sudan’s rapidly growing urban communities, and to stimulate economic activity and boost incomes.
Inaugurating the upgraded facility, President Salva Kiir thanked the Bank for its valuable support for his nation.
"This project will spur development in the country where more than 70 percent of lighting relies on generators and others on kerosene," he said.
He added: "The government is focused on exploiting and developing our hydro and renewable energy resources. With funding from the African Development Bank, we aim to generate 10-40 MW of renewable energy."
The government also plans to invest in a 1,080 MW grand Fula hydropower project to generate and distribute power across various states in South Sudan, President Kiir said.
AfDB Country Manager Benedict Sorie Kanu, said the Bank foresees a range of socioeconomic benefits arising directly and indirectly from the project.
The benefits include reduced cost of doing business.
Since commencing operations in South Sudan in 2012, the Bank has funded 13 projects with cumulative approvals at about $178.6 million.
The projects include two major humanitarian and resilience building interventions, which have successfully closed.
Currently, the Bank’s active portfolio for the country stands at around $137 million.
-0- PANA DJ/MA 22Nov2019
