AWEIL – A 21-year-old man, identified as Anei Dut Lual, tragically lost his life after being electrocuted while attempting to connect electricity to his mobile phone charging kiosk in Maper West Payam, located within the municipal council of Aweil Town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.
The administrator of Maper Payam, Mr. James Kueth Aguot, confirmed the incident, describing it as a devastating loss for the community.
According to Kueth, Anei climbed a utility pole on Thursday to reconnect power to his charging station, a small business he operated to serve the local community’s need for mobile phone charging, before he was fatally electrocuted.
“He was trying to restore power to his kiosk when the accident happened,” Kueth explained. “It was a shocking and heartbreaking incident.”
Anei was immediately rushed to Aweil Civil Hospital in an unconscious state. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The hospital, one of the primary healthcare facilities in Northern Bahr El Ghazal, often faces challenges due to limited resources, a common issue in South Sudan’s healthcare system.
“This is a terrible tragedy,” Kueth said. “We are working to support and console his family during this difficult time.” He added that preparations were underway for Anei’s funeral rites, as the community mourns the loss of a young life full of potential.
The administrator said Deng Bol Kuol, the owner of the power source supplying the charging centre, will not be arrested as he joined the family of the deceased in mourning.
Aweil, like many towns across South Sudan, struggles with underdeveloped infrastructure, including unreliable electricity access.
Many residents rely on small-scale entrepreneurs like Anei, who operate charging stations powered by generators or limited grid connections, to keep their mobile phones operational—a critical need in an area where communication networks are vital for livelihoods and staying connected.
The lack of widespread electricity infrastructure often forces individuals to take risks, such as climbing utility poles or handling live wires, to maintain their businesses.
According to reports from the South Sudan Electricity Corporation, only a small percentage of the population has access to reliable electricity, with rural areas and smaller towns like Aweil facing significant gaps.
