Staff writer
High electricity tariffs in Juba city, has compelled President Salva Kiir Mayardit to formed a committee to review electricity power supply.
The President alluded that whereas the government bears the responsibility to ensure the citizens of South Sudan enjoy reliable and affordable electricity, “there is an outcry by the population in Juba due to high electricity tariffs levied by the Distribution Company”.
In a decree, read over state owned media, South Sudan Broadcasting Cooperation (SSBC), the president named a nine-member committee, to ensure reliable and affordable electricity in Juba.
Chaired by Undersecretary ministry of Energy and Dams, president Kiir tasked the committee with three responsibilities.
“To ensure that electricity tariffs are reduced to affordable rates by reviewing the equity structure, share holders’ rights or ratios, dividend policy, by government and Ezra Construction Development Company Limited with respect their respective shares in the Electricity Distribution Company,” the decree read in part.
The committee is also tasked to review the legal and financial aspect of the agreement and ensure that the project complies with all the relevant requirements of the laws of the country and regional practices.
Additionally, President Kiir tasked the committee to review the terms and conditions of agreement between the ministry of Energy and Dams and Ezra Construction and Development Company Limited, with an aim of ascertaining the cause of high tariffs including other relevant charges.
The committee is vitalized with Undersecretary for Planning in the ministry of Finance and Planning has been named as Vice Chairperson of the committee, while, Auditor General, National Audit Chamber, is a member.
Undersecretary of ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Head of legal Administration office of the president, and General Manage, South Sudan Electricity Corporation are some of members of the committee.
Others include, Director General, Internal security Bureau of National Security Service, Commissioner General of South Sudan Revenue Authority and Chairperson of Engineering Council of South Sudan.