The authorities in Lakes State said a team of engineers from Trinity Energy Company, Canal Company for Electricity Distribution of Egypt, and the South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC) arrived in Rumbek town over the weekend to test a newly installed generator at the local power station.

The minister of infrastructure, land and housing in Lakes State, Mawet Manuer Kok told Radio Tamazuj Sunday that the town has not had electricity for a while and that residents are excited about the resumption.

“We are very excited as the people and government of Lakes State for this electricity which we have been waiting for a very long time,” he said. “The community will now enjoy electricity supply.”

Sammy Buwarda, the engineer from Canal Company for Electricity Distribution, who is in charge of power installations in Rumbek and Yambio said they had finished installing the power plant.

“We have done the installation and we are here to do the first test of electricity generation and distribution,” he said.

On his part, the acting information minister in Lakes State, William Koji Kirjok, said electricity is a vital service and the state government will supervise the operation of the power plant.

“Electricity is one of the services the people need and the minister concerned, the mayor, and the commissioner of Rumbek Central County will be tasked with the responsibility of supervising the works. They will be monitoring the operation of this power plant and of course, with peace and stability in Lakes State, we need more,” he said. “Of course, we need investors to come and feel at home and continue developing all the sectors. We continue to repeat that our country is for peace and development.”

“We appreciate the Egyptian government for donating this power plant to the people of Rumbek and Lakes State,” he added.

Minister Koji revealed that the power plant was initially donated in 2009 but later the generators broke down.

Meanwhile, Engineer Benjamin Gwynne of Trinity Energy Company said they are committed to supporting the people of Rumbek.

“Trinity Energy staff are committed to supporting the people of Rumbek and as you know, the power sector is still suffering and there is a huge gap in power supply,” he said. “The government cannot fill the deficit alone and needs to work with local companies.”

However, the SSEC area manager in Rumbek, Makur Anyuon, said that the supply of electricity will officially commence after the connectivity network has been tested.

“We have come to Rumbek to witness the testing which is taking place. We are testing the engine and part of the electricity network,” he said “The final handover will take place after one year according to the Memorandum of Understanding.  What is left is that there is no load and we need to increase the electricity load by connecting many customers to the grid.”

Rumbek Town Mayor Peter Maliap Chieny thanked the Egyptian government for donating the new generator and said electricity will help people and businesses flourish.