The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has awarded South Sudan a US$26mn grant to rehabilitate and expand the electricity distribution networks in its capital city, Juba
AfDB said the funds will be utilised for the Power Distribution System Rehabilitation and Expansion (PDSRE) project in the city, which includes the construction of 145 km of low-voltage 33 kV lines and 370 km of medium-voltage lines, along with the purchase and installation of 195 transformer stations.
The programme would also entail installation of 20,000 prepaid meters for new connections in Juba. The PDSRE project is being implemented by the South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC).
Currently in South Sudan, only one per cent of the population has access to the grid electricity, according to AfDB.
AfDB director, Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department, Alex Rugamba, said, “The current situation of low levels of power generation, coupled with inefficient distribution networks, have adversely affected living standards and restricted business development. This project will help reduce the inefficiencies of the network and increase electricity access in Juba.”
SSEC said the project included a capacity-building component to ensure knowledge transfer in the areas of procurement, finance and project management, which can aid future ventures.
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