Juba gets electricity for first time

South Sudan launched its first power plant on Thursday, in the nation’s capital Juba.

South Sudan launched its first power plant on Thursday, in the nation's capital Juba.

This is the first time Juba city will have electricity.

President Salva Kiir launched the newly built 100-megawatts power plant that will supply the first phase of electricity to Juba. A number of senior government officials and partners attended the launch of the power generators at Kondokoro area.

Kiir said the power plant built by Ezra Company Limited, will help the world’s youngest nation to embark on post-conflict recovery after more than five years of civil war.

Kiir further said more than 70 percent of businesses in South Sudan depend on diesel-powered generators to operate, while most citizens rely on kerosene to light up their homes.

“This project marks a major milestone for the Ministry of Energy and Dams and the nation at large. More important it is hoped for us as people that our dreams will not just remain dreams but will become a reality. This project will spur development across the sectors in South Sudan,” Kiir said.

The South Sudanese leader pointed out that the government will work on developing hydroelectric power and the renewable energy sector.

Kiir revealed that his government plans to connect power from Uganda's Karuma dam by 2023 to connect South Sudan's border towns. He added that plans are also underway to connect power from Sudan to supply the northern areas.

The Juba City Power distribution system was reportedly constructed with the support of the African Development Bank.