By Matik Kueth
The Undersecretary for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Joseph Africano, emphasized the need to boost South Sudan’s energy supply with a focus on clean energy.
Africano, who spoke at the Green Climate Fund (GCF) meeting in Juba on Monday, stressed the significance of switching to clean energy sources such as LPG gas.
“If you implement projects on climate resilience, food, smart agriculture, transitioning to clean energy and all of that, the underlying bottom line will be peace and security because people will not move from their areas. They will be resilient; they will have enough food.” Africano said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a sustainable and resilient society, pointing out that implementing initiatives focusing on climate resilience and sustainable development is the cornerstone for that goal.
Africano noted that switching to clean energy is a critical step in replacing charcoal with LPG or gas for cooking, which can minimize pressure on trees while also protecting forests for their key function in carbon sequestration and animal habitat.
“So, each and every one of us will not be using charcoal, and we will be able to transition from charcoal and we leave our forest there to continue doing their carbon sequestration to provide habitat to our animals and that.” he stated.
According to him, the government plans to generate 3,000 megawatts of power, seeking to explore other options to utilize gold to boost the country’s revenue.
He further underlined the necessity of collaboration and the involvement of all stakeholders, including the commercial sector, civil society, and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs).