Juba, South Sudan( East African Tribune)- South Sudan hopes to import hydro-electricity from neighboring Uganda, an expensive measure aimed at reducing a gaping power deficit that has dented oil-mining sector, South Sudan’s minister for electricity, energy and dams said on Wednesday.

“Uganda will sell 400 megawatts (MW) of electricity to South Sudan to cater for the smaller nation’s growing demand for power, as we hasten completion of mega hydropower projects to bridge energy shortfalls in the country,” Dr. Dhieu Mathok said after his return from Uganda.

Dr. Dhieu said the two countries have signed an agreement this week to share electricity around the border areas.

“As part of efforts to deepen our economic integration. The project aims to build electricity line running from Kaya, Nimule and Kajo-Keji at the border,” the minister said.

He further revealed that, currently South Sudan depends on generators that produce 12 megawatts of power and the move is important for socio-economic development in the country.

“This can create socio-economic development, can minimize even the rural town migration,” Dr. Dhieu said. He disclosed the African Development Bank (AfDB) has extended a grant totaling 33 million U.S. dollars to help South Sudan expand access to cleaner energy sources.

South Sudan, the East African’s newest country with a population of 12 million people, is battling to keep up with demand for power as its economies grow. According to USAID, South Sudan has the lowest electricity consumption per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa.

International donors have pledged new financial support to help South Sudan rebuild its transport and energy infrastructure that was destroyed during the country’s civil strife, which erupted in December 2013. The ruinous civil war has killed tens of thousands, displaced almost 4 million people from homes including 2 millions refugees in neighboring country.