Rising floodwaters in the Jonglei State capital, Bor, have led to power cuts and disruption in electricity supply since last month. 

Residents say the power blackout has brought their day-to-day activities to a standstill as the level of floodwaters continued to rise in the town over the past weeks, disrupting businesses. 

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, several Bor residents decried the power cuts, saying they are unable to run their businesses and homes.

John Bior said life is increasingly becoming difficult since the power cuts commenced in October. 

“Power used to work for 8 hours daily. At home, we use it for cooking, ironing, and other appliances. But now, life is too bad for us. And prices for charcoal are too high especially during these floods,” he said. 

Bior appealed to the management of Bor Power Station to resume the electricity supply.

Mabior Yuol, a businessman in Bor, said there is a drop in the purchasing power due to power cuts. 

“I run a boutique. It is too dark from the inside. This is discouraging customers as they are unable to see for themselves the clothes they want,” Yuol said.

Anyang Philip, the director of Bor Power Station, admitted that they cut electricity supply in October due to the rising floodwaters. 

“Our compound is occupied by water so we cannot operate the generators. Also, we have some loose poles due to the floods. And it is dangerous for our people,” Anyang said. 

The official, however, pointed out they are likely to resume power supply in two weeks when the floodwaters recede. 

Electricity supply resumed in Bor town on 4th December 2018 after a six-year shut down due to the outbreak of the civil war in the country.