The Zain mobile network has resumed operation in parts of Duk Padiet County of Jonglei State after it went down for three years, a local official said.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Sunday, Duk Padiet County Commissioner Elijah Manyok said the mobile operator resumed operation on July 20, adding that it has now connected residents to the rest of the world.
“We were cut off for years. Now, the resumption makes communication with those in far areas easy, especially for us in the government. With this network, we can voice our concerns since we are cut off from Jonglei by floods,” Manyok said.
The local official applauded Zain for ensuring its services resume in the county, while calling on the mobile operator to boost its coverage.
He said Zain only covers a 15 kilometer distance from the county headquarters.
Eliza Nyanadhom Wai, a local resident, welcomed the network’s resumption in the county.
“There has been no network in our county for years. We used to walk for long distances and climb trees to communicate with those outside Duk Padiet,” she said.
On his part, John Aruer said Zain has connected him to the rest of the world.
“It has not been there for years. We were landlocked. Now, we are happy because we can hear from relatives who are not with us here,” he added.
Simon Manyok, a civil servant working in Bor town, said he feels at home with the network resumption. He urged Zain to boost its network coverage in the county.