The USAID-funded Kapoeta electricity project is expected to improve cross-border trade between Sudan South and the neighbouring Kenya and bring employment and security to the area.
USAID spokesman Richard Ruati said the electricity project will boost business between South Sudan and Kenya, Emmanuel Radio reported.He added that a similar project in Yei County inaugurated two years ago increased businesses between Uganda and South Sudan.
In addition to its local business community and residents, Kapoeta town hosts nongovernmental organizations, small-scale businesses and traders who are the potential major consumers of electricity.
Other customers include institutions such as schools, medical facilities, and government offices.
The electrification of Kapoeta will improve security through street lights, promote economic activities with more flexible hours of trade, and provide convenience to households, including for students who can do homework at night.
Mr. Ruati said in Yei the community formed a corporation to manage the power project and about 7,000 customers are connected to the power line.
He urged Kapoeta community to repeat the success of the Yei community.
USAID says in its website the Kapoeta power plant generates 894 kilowatts of electricity to serve some 900 customers.
There are already materials available to install 725 service connections.
The electricity project is inaugurated on Friday.