The South Sudan government visualizes connecting 80 percent of Juba city with electricity within the next year, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Dams, Lam Tungwar Kwegong, said.

The Undersecretary was speaking during an inspection tour of the Ezra Power Plant in Kondokoro, a suburb of Juba. The visit underscores the government’s efforts to connect every part of Juba and its surroundings to reliable electricity, reinforcing President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s directive for nationwide electrification.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Lam outlined the government’s strategic partnership with industry stakeholders aimed at making electricity more accessible and affordable. This initiative, he explained, is key to fostering a conducive environment for local and international investment in South Sudan.

“We have come on a sole purpose to actually create awareness to our community, our country, about what is going on here,” Lam stated. “Electricity is a human right, and we are always mandated as a ministry to ensure that every surplus megawatt that is here in Ezra must be utilized. That is my objective, and that is the objective of my minister in the Energy and Dam Ministry.”

The Ezra Power Plant is an essential part of South Sudan’s energy expansion agenda.

This ambitious target will be met through careful planning and ongoing evaluations of energy output, engine capabilities, and operational strategies. Lam emphasized the importance of patience from the public, noting,

 “The process involves technical aspects and requires engineers to exercise due diligence. This is exactly one of the processes that we are working on in reductions of the tariffs of the electricity in Juba and the vicinity.”

The 20-megawatt solar power plant in Kondokoro is nearing completion, with 99% of its structures in place. This plant, along with another renewable energy project in Nesitu, promises a more environmentally sustainable approach to power generation, in line with global trends toward renewable energy. Lam praised Ezra Group’s efforts, highlighting their commitment to expanding South Sudan’s power grid and reducing energy costs.

In alignment with these government initiatives, Samson Ezra, Managing Director of Ezra Group, emphasized the company’s dedication to collaborating with partners to overcome challenges and make electricity affordable.

“Ezra Group has been working to address the challenges alongside industry stakeholders by making strategic investments aimed at reducing the energy tariff for the people and businesses of South Sudan,” he said.

The Ministry of Energy and Dams is also exploring projects beyond Juba. Planned expansions include the 20-megawatt solar power facility in Nesitu, a power project in Wau in Western Bahr el-Ghazal, and efforts in Yei River County in Central Equatoria State. These efforts aim to extend reliable electricity to administrative areas and boost economic growth by cutting down energy costs.

“Our clear directive from the President is to ensure that all the people are connected. The community must know where their power is coming from, and we are committed to ensuring that Ezra’s capacity, alongside other projects, will enable us to electrify Juba and beyond.” Lam noted.

The government’s proactive approach and partnership with energy stakeholders signal a new chapter for South Sudan’s infrastructure, one driven by sustainable energy projects and strategic development to uplift the quality of life for its citizens and position the country as an attractive destination for investors.

“The process involves technical aspects and requires engineers to exercise due diligence. This is exactly one of the processes that we are working on in reductions of the tariffs of the electricity in Juba and the vicinity,” Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Dams, Lam Tungwar Kwegong, said.