Juba electricity expansion on the ministry’s agenda
South Sudan’s Minister of Energy and Dams, Agok Makur Kur, says he is working to expand electricity supply across Juba and other parts of the country, pointing to both immediate actions and longer-term measures meant to ease persistent power shortages.
Speaking during a field visit on Thursday, Kur framed the push as part of his first engagements since taking office, signalling a hands-on approach to assessing generation and distribution needs.
Ezra Power Plant visit highlights capacity discussions
Kur toured the Ezra Power Plant in Gondokoro, operated by the Israel Pact Group, saying the stop was part of a broader plan to visit other locations across South Sudan as he maps out priorities for the sector.
“I came to visit the Israel Pact Group, and as the new Minister of Energy and Dams, I have a plan. We have a short plan and also a long plan,” Kur said, adding that the short plan includes visits to multiple areas.
Production figures and timeline for additional megawatts
The minister said plant managers briefed him on current output and remaining capacity. He indicated that 79MW is currently in use, with 21MW still to be completed, based on information presented during the visit.
“Israel Group promised me that they can complete this 21Mw in the coming month or year,” Kur said, describing the timeline as it was presented to him during discussions with the company’s local management.
Rumbek power plant opening and nationwide consultations
Kur also pointed to a planned commissioning in Lakes State. “Also in our plan, I am going to open the power plant in Rumbek in the coming month,” he said, presenting it as part of the ministry’s near-term sequence of actions.
He linked these steps to consultations intended to strengthen electricity generation and distribution beyond the capital, with the stated objective of improving access in multiple towns.
Uganda transmission link: Nimule-to-Juba outlook
Kur said the government is pursuing plans to import power from Uganda, describing it as a potential boost for electricity access in several locations. He noted that transmission from Uganda has reached Nimule and expressed confidence it will extend further.
“As you know now, power transmission from Uganda has come to Nimule… and it will come all the way to Juba soon,” he said, adding that the ministry is preparing to cooperate with Uganda on transmission to Juba and other towns.
Why electricity matters for security and economic activity
The minister argued that power supply is not only a household concern but also central to security and economic life, citing Nimule as a reference point for the broader impact reliable electricity can have on daily activity.
He also acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents amid limited access to electricity, while stating that Juba will soon be fully covered by an electricity supply, without giving a specific completion date.
Ezra Group’s infrastructure push to connect the rest of Juba
Samson Ezra, managing director of Ezra Group, welcomed Kur’s visit and praised President Salva Kiir for appointing him to lead the ministry. “This visit will encourage the team to work hard,” he said, linking the meeting to problem-solving on the ground.
Ezra said the company is producing concrete poles in large numbers to help connect the whole of Juba, presenting the move as part of practical work aimed at extending distribution capacity across the city.
Next steps for South Sudan’s power generation and distribution
The visit to the Gondokoro facility was presented as one of Kur’s first field engagements as minister, with further consultations expected as the ministry and partners assess timelines, capacity additions and transmission options.
For citizens and businesses, the coming months will be watched for measurable improvements, particularly around completing the additional capacity cited at Ezra, opening the Rumbek plant, and advancing the Uganda transmission link.