River Yei is a river in South Sudan, with its source in Panyana Village, Lujule Payam, in Morobo County of Central Equatoria State. It is a perennial watercourse that flows through the Equatoria region toward Bahr el Ghazal.
Nomenclature
The name "Yei" is derived from the word yii in the Kaliko language, meaning "water."
Course and Features
In Central Equatoria, the river flows through Lujule, Morobo County, and Yei River County. It passes through Yei town, where the Kembe River joins it along the Yei–Juba Road. A notable landmark, Aga Falls, is situated on the River Yei in Wudabi Payam, Morobo County. Aga Falls lies at Geri Boma and has been recognized as a potential site for hydroelectric development.
In Western Equatoria, the river flows through Mundri West, Lakes State, and Unity State.
History
During the colonial era, the British administration altered local governance and settlement arrangements along the river's course. They introduced centralized chiefs and resettled villages to combat sleeping sickness.
In March 2010, UNMIS and the World Food Programme funded the construction of a 42-meter single-lane bridge in Yei town. This bridge spans the River Yei and improved trade routes between the town and its Ugandan and Congolese neighbors.
In 2011, the government of Central Equatoria State, under Governor Clement Wani Konga, planned to launch a power plant in Morobo County.
References
- Wikipedia: "River Yei" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Yei)
- Stigand, C. H.; Wingate, Reginald (2021), "The Yei River District," Equatoria, London: Routledge, pp. 55–62.
- Wainaina, Binyavanga; Torfinn, Sven (2004). Beyond the River Yei: life in the land where sleeping is a disease. Nairobi: Kwani?.
- Justin, P. H., & van Dijk, H. (2017). "Land Reform and Conflict in South Sudan: Evidence from Yei River County." Africa Spectrum, 52(2), 3–28.
