Yei to Receive 3,000 New Street Lights in Power Project

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A one day public consultation and awareness workshop was held in Yei River County as part of preparations for the implementation of the ASSIST Project’s mini grid pilot system. The event brought together 100 participants drawn from local government, community groups, business representatives and civil society.

The training was organised by the National Ministry of Energy and Dams together with the Yei County administration. It focused on helping participants understand the goals of the project, the expected benefits, and the roles of both government and community in ensuring smooth implementation.

The training covered several areas, including environmental and social risk management, the responsibilities of community leaders in monitoring project safeguards, grievance reporting channels, gender based violence prevention, and security management. Participants were encouraged to share feedback and ask questions throughout the sessions.

Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme called on the participants to actively engage with the training, saying community knowledge would be important for the project’s success. Technical officials from the ministry also explained the project components and the expected timeframe.

According to Eng. Jimmy Jake, speaking on behalf of the Component 2 Manager, the mini grid pilot project has an estimated budget of 13 million United States Dollars, equal to approximately 92.3 billion South Sudanese Pounds at the current rate of 1 US Dollar = 7,100 SSP.

The project will combine 3 megawatts of solar generation capacity, 12 megawatt hours of battery storage, and a 1.4 megawatt diesel plant that is already in place. The distribution network in Yei will also be upgraded to a 33 kV line with concrete poles.

In addition, around 3,000 street lights are expected to be installed under the programme. The project aims to connect about 10,000 households, including refugee communities, and support 400 commercial and institutional users, which include businesses, schools and health facilities.

The workshop forms part of early stage project activities designed to build understanding at local level before full implementation begins.

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