Yambio Thermal Power Plant. | Photo: Khalil Ibrahim

The Egyptian government on Wednesday launched the renovation of Yambio Thermal Power Plant in Western Equatoria State, which has been in disrepair for over a decade.

The power station is expected to generate more than 3 megawatts of electricity – a capacity big enough to general four thousand homes a year.

Khalil Ibrahim, an Egyptian engineer overseeing maintenance of the plant, said the project was first set up by the Sudanese government more than a decade ago.

However, the station stopped working in 2012 due to insufficient logistic supply.

Engineer Ibrahim didn’t disclose how long the maintenance work will take.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Thursday, he said they are doing their best to restore some equipment that was stolen from the electricity grid.

“We started maintenance and revision work because this equipment has been parked for more than ten years,” Ibrahim said.

“Many parts of this equipment have been stolen, and we are trying hard to finish the work as soon as possible. But I will not be able to specify when the maintenance work on the project will be completed.

Yambio station being renovated is one among three other power stations in Wau, Rumbek, and Bor that the Egyptian government has revived.

Speaking during the event, Governor Alfred Futuyo urged the citizens to maintain the power by paying electricity bills once it is fixed for its sustainability.