Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Yei River County is gearing up to refurbish the YECO power plant in June of this year, according to a local official.
The Yei Electricity Operating Company (YECO) is set to be revived after nearly a decade of closure, as plans are put into motion.
Operations at YECO came to a halt during the 2016 conflict due to security concerns and the presence of armed forces near the plant, prompting technicians to evacuate. Since then, the power plant has remained inactive.
Commissioner Aggrey Cirus Kanyikwa disclosed during a presentation showcasing investment opportunities in the county at the ongoing second edition of the Juna Economic Forum that his administration aims to revive YECO by June.
He highlighted that the company, initially funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), was operating smoothly until it was disrupted by the conflict in 2016. YECO had been sustaining itself through revenue generated from subscribers.
Cirus explained, “In Yei, specifically regarding power, we have YECO. YECO, initially funded by USAID, was operating very effectively. It sustained itself through subscriber funds. However, due to the conflict, all YECO subscribers fled.”
The commissioner further revealed that his administration has formally approached the Ministry of Energy and the World Bank, seeking support for the rehabilitation of the power plant. He emphasized the intention to enhance its capabilities by integrating solar panels to bolster distribution.
“I want to express gratitude to the Ministry of Energy and Dams, as well as the World Bank, for acknowledging our request to rehabilitate YECO and introduce solar panels in June,” he added.
The local government official anticipates that the revival of the power plant will attract investors to explore various business opportunities, including fruit processing, given the county’s abundant fruit resources.
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