Yei Residents Renew Demand for Restoration of YECO Power Supply

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei River County have renewed calls for the swift reactivation of the Yei Electricity Corporation (YECO), citing its importance to economic growth, education, security and access to essential services.

The appeal comes amid ongoing efforts to restore power in Yei Town following years of interruption. Earlier, YECO Board Chairperson Richard Lugala Godo told Access Radio that technicians were working to repair faulty systems and install electricity poles along major streets before reconnecting power supply.

However, some residents say progress has been slower than expected and are urging authorities to accelerate the process.

Henry Taban, a resident of Yei Town, said the public had heard numerous promises about the restoration of electricity but had yet to see sufficient progress on the ground.

“A lot of talking has been made about YECO, but there are few indicators to demonstrate that power will soon return. We call on the state and county governments to meet the aspirations of the people by ensuring YECO becomes operational again,” he said.

Businesswoman Khamisa Alice echoed similar concerns, questioning the status of a previously proposed solar power project reportedly linked to World Bank support.

“Last year, we were informed that land had been allocated for a solar power project aimed at reviving YECO. We want to know what happened to that initiative. The government should inject resources into the project so that YECO can return to service,” she said.

Another resident, Moses Malish Gabriel , emphasized the broader social and economic benefits that the return of electricity could bring to the town.

“When there is power in the town, there will be peace and economic development. Children will be able to study at night, businesses will operate more effectively, crime will reduce, and people will have access to better services,” he noted.

The renewed calls come shortly after Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo and the European Union Ambassador to South Sudan visited the YECO power plant, located along the Yei-Lasu Road, to assess the facility and explore possible support for its rehabilitation.

Residents say restoring electricity remains a critical step towards improving livelihoods and boosting development in Yei River County, urging government authorities and development partners to prioritize the reopening of the power station.