South Sudan’s ministry of electricity and dams has announced the launch of electricity extension from neighboring Uganda into bordering towns of Nimule, Kaya, and Kajo-Keji.

Minister Dhieu Mathok Diing told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the launch which starts today in Nimule is part of a cooperation agreement signed between South Sudan and Uganda two years ago.

Mathok says the agreement stipulates that Uganda will supply power to the three towns of Nimule, Kaya, and Kajo-Keji.

“We signed a bilateral agreement and we developed also a power purchase agreement. Now the construction is starting. The Uganda government has accepted to construct the line,” he said.

He added, “The first phase is Nimule, the second will be Kaya and the third will be Kajokeji.”

Minister Mathok further said that Uganda will cater for all the construction costs. 

“Uganda is the one implementing the project. We are not paying as South Sudan. It will be repaid through the collection of electricity charges,” he noted.

In 2017, the two countries signed an agreement to enhance infrastructural development and cross-border electricity transmission, aimed at fostering economic integration between the two nations.