African Development Bank distances itself from ongoing power load shedding in Juba

The African Development Bank says it’s not part of the ongoing load shedding by electricity generator for South Sudan’s capital city.

“This statement is to inform the general public that the African Development Bank Group is not involved in any decision-making regarding power shedding in Juba, South Sudan’s capital city” Reads part of a statement issued by the African Development Bank (AfDB) country office in South Sudan.

AfDB says it has no direct role in power generation in Juba and is not involved in any matters concerning the operation and maintenance of the electricity distribution networks in South Sudan.

The Banks said it funded the USD 38 million expansions and rehabilitation of the electricity distribution network in Juba. The project was primarily financed through a grant. It was implemented by the South Sudan’s Electricity Corporation, which is the power utility created by the government.

It added that the African Development Bank-funded project significantly helped to restore electricity supply in the central business district and also brought electricity to Juba homes, businesses, educational institutions and hospitals.

“In addition, more than 1,667 of the city’s streetlights are now functional, facilitating night movement and contributing to crime prevention.” Reads part of the statement issued by the bank on Wednesday.

“The African Development Bank remains committed to working with the South Sudanese Government and other development partners to facilitate the provision of reliable electricity supply to Juba’s central business district and suburbs” The statement continued.

The management of Juba Electricity Distribution, also known as JEDCO started power load shedding in the capital Juba on April 6 with an aim of a complete power shut down.

In a public statement issued on Monday the electricity distributor claims there is a lack of foreign currency and commitment from other stakeholders required to make long-overdue payments for the bulk energy they get from Ezra Construction and Development Group.

Ezra Construction and Development Group produce the electricity, which JEDCO supplies in Juba.

In January, JEDCO announced a similar measure claiming that the South Sudan government had not provided the foreign currency required making payments for the purchase of fuel to run its generators but later the shutdown was canceled.

The Central Bank later allocated the electricity generating company $3 million every month to run its operations but Ezra Construction and Development Group claims that it’s not getting the payment on time and therefore being forced to halt operations.