Juba power outages to end ‘soon’, says energy minister after Ezra Group inspection

JUBA – South Sudan’s newly appointed Minister of Energy and Dams, Agok Makur, has assured residents of Juba that persistent electricity interruptions resulting from the so-called emergency maintenance, which has gone on for nearly three months in the capital, will soon be resolved.

Following an inspection visit to the Ezra Group power generation facilities, the minister said the visit was intended to give him a firsthand understanding of how electricity is produced in Juba and to assess the operational and technical challenges behind frequent power disruptions.

During the tour, Makur inspected key infrastructure, including diesel generators, solar power installations, hybrid systems, and oil barges that support electricity production for the capital.

“We want the repeated electricity cuts to stop. God willing, the power supply will be stable in the coming period,” Makur said after the inspection.

He disclosed that he held discussions with Ezra Group management over recurring outages affecting several neighbourhoods and said both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure reliable electricity delivery.

Makur also revealed that his ministry has introduced a clear roadmap for the sector, divided into short-term and long-term priorities. In the immediate term, the plan aims to restore and extend electricity to all parts of Juba before expanding power services to other states.

“In the short term, electricity will reach all areas of Juba, and afterwards we will move to the states,” he said.

The minister further praised President Salva Kiir Mayardit for directing a reduction in electricity tariffs, noting that residents are already beginning to feel relief from the lowered costs.

Ezra Group officials informed the minister that the company is currently supplying 79 megawatts to the national grid, with an additional 21 megawatts planned in the next phase to improve coverage and stabilise supply across the capital.

Makur said the Ezra Group inspection marks the beginning of a series of field visits to power facilities, adding that he will next tour Nesitu and later Rumbek, where a new power station is expected to be commissioned in February.

Acknowledging existing challenges such as rising demand and difficulties in bill collection, the minister nevertheless assured the public of the government’s commitment to improving service delivery.

“Yes, challenges exist, but we are determined to reduce the suffering of our people and bring stable electricity to Juba,” he said.

For his part, Ezra Group Managing Director and Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO) board member, Samson Ezra, welcomed the minister’s visit, describing it as a boost to the company’s efforts.

“When a minister visits us like this, it motivates us to do more. With cooperation from the ministry, we will light the remaining parts of Juba that still have no power,” Ezra said.

Since its establishment, Juba residents have expressed frustration over the inconsistent supply of electricity, compounded by regular and prolonged emergency maintenance of the diesel-powered generators.