South Sudan, World Bank launch 53-mln-USD electricity access project

JUBA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) — South Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Dams on Thursday launched a five-year, 53-million-U.S.-dollar energy project aimed at increasing access to electricity services and strengthening institutional capacity in the power sector.

Sultan Lam Tungwar, undersecretary of the ministry, said the World Bank-funded Energy Sector Access and Institutional Strengthening Project (ASSIST) is a critical step in increasing access to electricity in South Sudan, which is a fundamental component of economic growth, social development, and improved living standards.

“By strengthening the grid infrastructure through this intervention, we will ensure a stable and efficient integration of the new power source, including the C2 power plant, selected to come in a few months,” Lam said in the South Sudanese capital of Juba during the launch of the project.

He said only 1 percent of South Sudanese have access to electricity, which is also very expensive, and the project will give more access to affordable electricity to the South Sudanese and businesses.

The ASSIST project comprises four components, including grid densification and extension in Juba and vicinity areas, mini-grid pilot, off-grid electrification of health and selected public institutions through standalone solar systems, and technical assistance and capacity building. The project will benefit 50,000 households and 90 health facilities in the country.

Charles Undeland, World Bank Group country manager for South Sudan, said the cost of power in South Sudan is among the highest in the region and globally, “so the project will bring affordable power to South Sudanese.”

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