PHOTO CREDITS: Koang Pal Chang - Frustration Grows in Yei Over Unfinished Solar Project
(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei town have expressed frustration over the slow pace in implementing the rehabilitation project for the Yei Electricity Corporation (YECO), which was meant to restore stable power supply to the area.
They are now calling on both the government and development partners to match their promises with visible action.
On 18 June 2025, community leaders from Logo and Goja Bomas in Otogogo Payam officially allocated land for a new solar energy plant intended to revive YECO operations.
The site located in Hai Dam area covers 250 by 250 square metres. The agreement for the land donation was signed between community representatives and Yei County authorities in the presence of senior officials from the National Ministry of Energy and Dams.
The project supported by the World Bank forms part of a wider national effort to boost renewable energy infrastructure.
However, months after the launch, residents say no progress has been made. According to Hai Dam resident, Alison Taban, there is no visible activity at the project site.
“We were happy when we heard YECO would be rehabilitated, but nothing is happening. We do not know what is delaying the work,” he said.
Local businesswoman Raida Tumalu voiced similar concerns, saying the community had initially been hopeful after several planning meetings and technical assessments were conducted:
“We were happy when the project started, but now it seems to have stopped. Power is essential for business growth in a town like Yei. We need electricity to plan and expand our businesses.”
Raida urged both county and state authorities to investigate the cause of the delays and ensure the project resumes.
“The government must follow up with the contractors and funders so that this work can move forward,” she added.
Efforts by Access Radio to reach officials from the Yei County Department of Physical Infrastructure for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
YECO was originally funded in 2009 under a USAID community power project but was rendered inoperative following the 2016 conflict that heavily damaged public infrastructure across Central Equatoria State.
Residents say the failure to rehabilitate the facility has left Yei in prolonged darkness, affecting education, health and business activities.
| Issue | Impact on Yei Residents |
|---|---|
| Delay in YECO rehabilitation | Continued power shortages in homes and businesses |
| Lack of government communication | Public confusion and frustration |
| High cost of alternative power sources | Businesses struggle to remain profitable |
| Post conflict infrastructure damage | Slower recovery of local economy |
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