Yei Residents Welcome Governor Adil’s Move to Restore Power Supply

(YEI RIVER COUNTY)- Residents of Yei town have welcomed a decision by Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony to establish a fact-finding committee and management body aimed at operationalizing the resumption of the Yei Electricity Corporation (YECO).

On Monday, Governor Adil appointed a seven-member board and three advisors to oversee preparations for restoring electricity supply in Yei town and surrounding areas.

Residents Express Relief

John Kenyi Elisa, a resident of Hai Peace area, said the people of Yei have endured prolonged hardship due to the absence of electricity.

He noted that the resumption of the power project would boost trade, improve security, and enhance education and health services across the town.

Kenyi also called on the government to collaborate closely with the World Bank, which is supporting efforts to rehabilitate and revitalize the power supply system in Yei.

“YECO has been given land for the power project, a committee was sent to investigate YECO and a board has been formed. We are happy and we ask the government and the World Bank to implement this project as soon as possible so that the people of Yei will have access to power, improved economic livelihoods and security. These are the things that will bring development to the country,” Kenyi said.

Businesses Hope for Revival

Stephen Juma, a resident of Reconcile area, said restoring electricity would significantly benefit small businesses, including his former phone charging enterprise.

“I am very happy if YECO is returning back. I used to run a phone charging business and when the power went off, it affected our businesses. If it’s back, we shall resume our businesses. We want Yei to restore its glory and famous name ‘Yei Small London’ because there was electricity supply by then,” he said.

Similarly, Richard Malish Timon from Hai Dam area welcomed the governor’s initiative, highlighting the security and healthcare benefits of reliable electricity.

“YECO is good and we want it back because when YECO was operational, it was easy to move on the streets of Yei town. Access to health services for lactating mothers and sick patients at night was also easier. We shall be happy if the power resumes operation,” he said.

Background

The Yei Electricity Corporation (YECO) is a community-based power facility established in Yei town with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The power plant became non operational at the height of the 2016 conflict but later ceased operations, leaving residents without a stable electricity supply.

The governor’s latest move is seen by many residents as a critical step toward restoring economic activity and improving public services in Yei town.