The authorities of Kuajok municipal council in Warrrap State have connected 200 shops in the Kuajok market to solar power. The initiative aims to enhance security measures and enable traders to operate for longer hours in their businesses.
In March of this year, the Kuajok municipal council introduced a solar power system along the streets of the Kuajok market to combat criminal activities during nighttime.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, Kuajok town Mayor John Akol highlighted that the solar power installation covers the entire town and has significantly extended the operating hours for traders compared to the days without electricity connections.
“The lights in Kuajok town have been installed to enhance security control and enable our traders to work for 24 hours. The government acquired solar panels from Sudan, and two shops paid SSP 75,000 each, while individual shopkeepers contributed SSP 37,500,” he explained.
Akol mentioned that the solar power system was procured through a contract with a Sudanese company. He expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback received from traders, considering himself the catalyst for enabling nighttime trade.
He also revealed plans to extend the solar power initiative to Gogrial town, thereby assisting other communities in accessing this sustainable energy solution.
“Solar power has had a tremendous and positive impact, as women can now sell their goods at night. We have extended the project to the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), resulting in the installation of 200 solar panels in Kuajok. Furthermore, we have provided assistance to the commissioner of Gogrial West with 150 solar panels, and there is increasing demand from other commissioners,” Akol elaborated.
Mathuc Deng, a local trader who owns a pharmacy in Kuajok town, expressed his satisfaction with the solar power installation, which he said has enabled him to extend his working hours.
He clarified that while the installations have been implemented in the Kuajok market, they have not covered all parts of the town. “It is true that solar power has been installed in the Kuajok market, but it does not reach some areas of the town. Personally, I have one in my shop, and it allows me to work from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM, unlike before when we used to close at 6:00 PM,” Deng shared.
Deng also highlighted an additional benefit of solar panels: the increased police presence and protection of properties. The well-lit environment has acted as a deterrent to potential thieves, reducing incidents of shop break-ins at night.
Khalid Adam, a Sudanese trader in Kuajok town, expressed his appreciation to the town council for providing solar power, which he believes has significantly reduced shop break-ins.
“Having solar power is fantastic because it allows traders to operate as they wish, from morning until 9:00 PM or even 10 o’clock in the evening. The well-lit environment has effectively reduced crimes, as there are no longer incidents of criminals breaking into shops after dark, as was previously the case when the town had no electricity after 6 o’clock in the evening,” Khalid stated.