A shipment of transmission line cables for the electricity station in Wau has recently arrived in Western Bahr el Ghazal state. On Thursday, ten trucks carrying these materials reached their destination, marking progress in the electrification efforts.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Eng. Ernesto Bol Acho, the South Sudan Electricity area manager in Wau, expressed frustration with the lack of coordination and slow implementation process by the Trinity Company, which has been entrusted by the national government to operationalize the station. He confirmed the receipt of ten trucks carrying electricity cables, wireless equipment, and pillars.
“While I didn’t see the transformers myself, the engineers informed me that there are more electrical tools coming from Mombasa,” Acho explained.
Engineers from Pakistan are currently in Wau to assess the new generators and ensure the proper installation of fuel lines and cables.
The area manager outlined a few obstacles that have affected the station’s sustainability. “Relying solely on diesel or heavy fuel for operation may not guarantee the long-term sustainability of the station due to its high cost,” Acho stated.
He also highlighted the shortage of pillars and cables in comparison to the vast area of Wau town, saying transportation limitations have further hampered the assembly of pillars in the designated residential areas.
Expressing his disagreement with the policy of hiring foreign engineers when local experts are available, Acho emphasized, “Wau has numerous skilled engineers in various fields, but they are often overlooked. It is illogical to bring in engineers from Juba for minor tasks such as roofing.”
These challenges have not only discouraged the staff but also affected the efficiency of Acho’s role as a manager. “Obtaining relevant information and progress reports has been difficult, requiring me to personally pursue and gather the necessary details,” he added.
The electrification initiative in Wau began earlier this year when the Trinity Company commenced the installation of electricity poles, replacing the outdated ones previously used by an Egyptian-based company. The objective was to reinstate power supply in the town.
In March 2021, Engineer Ernesto Bol Acho, the Director General for South Sudan’s Electricity Cooperation, announced the plan to start supplying power to Wau town once the renovation work by the Trinity Company was completed, with an expected deadline of the end of May. However, as of now, the task of fixing poles and connecting wires has not been fully accomplished.
Acho had previously cited logistical challenges, including workforce availability and the terms of the agreement between the Trinity Company and the National Ministry of Electricity, as major obstacles impeding the progress of the project.
Wau has been without reliable electricity since May 25, 2011, when the fuel supply for the power station ran out.