The chairperson of the Yei Electricity Corporation (YECO) board revealed that efforts to restore electricity in Yei Town in Yei River County have been delayed due to a lack of funding from the Central Equatoria State Government.
Richard Lugala Godo told the press on Wednesday that operational structures at the main power station are already in place, while technical assessments on the generator and inspections of street poles have been completed, but that rehabilitation work has stalled because funds needed for transporting and repairing old electricity poles have not yet been released.
“On our side, everything is ready, and the money which was supposed to come down here has not yet been released, and it is making our work very difficult. Certain things need to be transported, but they all require money,” he explained. “We are ready on the ground; the only thing holding us back is the money, which is supposed to be given by the state government. The public has to hold on as we are working on it.”
Lugala disclosed that more than 30 poles remain stranded along the Yei–Lasu Road due to logistical challenges.
He said YECO management is coordinating with the county commissioner and state authorities to ensure the pending funds are released so work can go ahead.
“The poles that we requested from the National Forestry Reserve are ready, but the only challenge to bring them is money. Those poles are meant to replace those that got spoiled,” he stated. “Yesterday, I was with the commissioner, and I told him to press the state authority so that some of the things that are not within our reach are brought to ground so that people see the practical process of the project.”
In February, Governor Emmanuel Adil ordered the immediate restoration of the Yei Power Plant, and a committee was formed to oversee the process.
YECO has remained non-functional since the 2016 conflict, leaving Yei Town without a public electricity supply for years.
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