Adut Salva Kiir inspects the infrastructure of the Kazan hydroelectric dam in Maridi

South Sudan’s first presidential envoy for special programs, Adut Salva Kiir, visited the Kazan hydroelectric dam in Maridi on Sunday, May 3, to assess the condition of the infrastructure that supplies the city and surrounding areas with water.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the First Presidential Envoy for Special Programs, the envoy was accompanied by the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Africano Mande, the Maridi Commissioner, and local tribal chiefs.

The delegation toured the facility and its pipeline network to assess current operational capacity.

Significant shortage of resources and technical support

Officials at the work site reported that the dam is not operating at full capacity, and the facility is suffering from a severe lack of resources and technical support, which is hindering its ability to provide a regular water supply to the residents of Maridi.

Adut Salva Kiir stressed the pivotal role of the dam in providing clean water and urged concerted efforts to rehabilitate it.

This visit is part of a broader mission to identify development needs in Western Equatoria State.

The technicians briefed the delegation on the maintenance needs required to restore the dam to its original capacity, according to local media.

Adut Salva Kiir noted that access to clean water is a priority for the livelihood of the local community.

She acknowledged the limitations facing the site and stressed the need for coordination between the government and relevant authorities to provide the necessary funding and technical expertise for its rehabilitation.

A broader assessment of infrastructure and development needs

This visit is part of a broader assessment of infrastructure and development needs in Western Equatoria State. The findings of the inspection will be used to advocate for measures to improve basic services in the region.

The Kazan Dam was built in Maridi, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan, between 1954 and 1955 to provide water to the town of Maridi, which lies on the Maridi River and is often associated with the local fishing industry and, in some studies, as a breeding site for black flies, causing public health concerns.

Adut Salva Kiir is the daughter of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit. She was appointed in August 2025 as the first Presidential Envoy for Special Programs, although she had not previously held government positions and had been working in humanitarian aid to support the country.