Pressure is mounting on electricity providers in Wau as prolonged power outages continue to disrupt businesses, livelihoods, and essential services across the municipality, sparking growing public frustration and calls for accountability.
Electricity customers and business owners report that power cuts have persisted for several days in multiple neighborhoods, including Hai Jebel, forcing traders to depend on costly fuel-powered generators.
Many say the unexpected outages have sharply increased operating expenses while reducing profits, particularly during the busy holiday season.
Shop owners dealing in perishable goods say the lack of electricity has compromised refrigeration, leading to losses and fears of spoiled stock.
Operators of mobile phone charging centers also report declining income, as inconsistent power supply limits their ability to serve customers reliably.
Artisans and small-scale producers have not been spared.
John Salaphino, a blacksmith in Wau, said repeated interruptions have delayed production and customer orders, undermining confidence in his services.
“When there is no power, work stops,” he said, noting that delays have become more frequent in recent weeks.
Trinity Energy, which began supplying electricity to Western Bahr el Ghazal State in 2024, is facing increasing scrutiny from consumers demanding improved reliability and clearer communication during outages.
Civil society groups have joined residents in urging the power provider to explain the cause of the blackouts and provide timely updates to prevent confusion and misinformation.
Stephen Robo Musa, Chairperson of the Civil Society Organizations Network in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, called on the electricity provider operating in Wau Municipality to be more transparent.
He also urged the state government to strengthen oversight of electricity services to ensure residents receive reliable and accountable power supply.
Responding to public concerns, Ernesto Paul Acho, Director of the South Sudan Electricity Corporation’s Wau branch, said the outages were caused by a technical malfunction in an electric generator that occurred last Wednesday.
He said the power station is working closely with Trinity Energy’s leadership in Juba to secure the necessary equipment for repairs.
Acho reassured residents and business owners that restoration efforts are underway and appealed for patience, expressing confidence that electricity supply would be restored within the month.
Electricity has become central to economic activity and daily life in Wau, and the ongoing blackouts have highlighted long-standing challenges in infrastructure, maintenance, and communication.
As residents await full restoration, pressure continues to build on power providers and authorities to deliver reliable electricity and prevent similar disruptions in the future.
