The government of Bieh state announced that the Zain network that went down for six years resumed functioning on Tuesday in Waat town.
Information Minister Peter Nin Tut told Radio Tamazuj from Waat town that the network went off-air six years ago due to the conflict but now the mobile network resumed offering services in Waat town and surrounding villages.
“The mobile network will help reunite parents who were separated from their children since 2013. It just covers the range of 25 kilometers from Waat. It will reach surrounding counties and some opposition-held areas which are 6 hours walk, “Nin said.
The state minister pointed out that the network will facilitate government activities.
Meanwhile several residents of Waat town welcomed the mobile network, saying they will now be connected to the rest of the world.
“Since 2013, we were disconnected. Now, we are happy because we are connected to those we could not meet five years ago. There was no access to Bieh through land and rivers, “said Pajok Puk, a resident of Waat town.
Isaac Kuac Duoth, a state lawmaker staying in Waat town, said: “Now, I am very happy for what had happened. We thank Zain for this.”
“Since 2013 we lost contact with relatives but now we are connected. And also, as peace is being implemented, we will easily disseminate peace messages,” he added.
Kuac urged the mobile operator to expand its coverage.
Bieh is one of the states severely affected by the conflict in South Sudan.
South Sudan’s rival leaders signed a peace deal in September last year to end the devastating civil war.
President Salva Kiir and opposition leaders failed to establish a transitional government as stipulated in the peace deal by May 12, 2019. The formation of the unity government was extended by six months to November.