Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Minister of Information, Gabriel Deng Yel, has issued a stern warning to local executive chiefs and residents against dismantling and stealing solar panels belonging to telecommunications companies, including MTN and Zain.
Speaking to Akol Yam FM on Thursday morning, Deng said the warning follows numerous complaints from telecom providers over missing solar panels used to power network towers across the state. He noted that the thefts have disrupted communication services in several areas.
“We have been receiving complaints from residents about poor network connectivity. But when we intervene and request improvements, some people go and remove the solar panels powering the towers,” Deng said.
He cited Maluil-Akong along the highway to Aweil West as one of the locations where panels have reportedly been stolen. According to the minister, most incidents occur at night and are allegedly carried out by individuals living near the installation sites.
Deng warned that telecom companies are preparing to launch a large-scale search operation to recover the stolen equipment. He revealed that the solar panels are fitted with in-built GPS tracking systems capable of detecting their location.
“These panels have tracking systems. If someone installs a stolen panel on their rooftop, it will emit a signal, and they will be caught red-handed,” he cautioned.
The minister stressed that anyone found in possession of the stolen panels will be arrested, prosecuted, and could face imprisonment. He also warned traders against purchasing such items, saying both sellers and buyers will be held accountable under the law.
Deng urged residents to return any stolen panels before the search begins voluntarily and to report suspicious activities to the Ministry of Information, particularly through the Director General, Barnaba Aguer, or other ministry staff.
He further advised the public to avoid buying goods from unlicensed door-to-door vendors, noting that theft cases are on the rise in the state.
Authorities say protecting telecom infrastructure is critical to maintaining reliable communication services across Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
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