GIZ Hands Over Garage Equipment to Revive Tractor Services in Yei

By Jenifer James

The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) has handed over garage equipment to the Yei River County authorities to help revive tractor maintenance services and strengthen agricultural production in the area.

The equipment, provided through the Community-Driven Rural Development (CDRD) project, will support the repair and maintenance of eight tractors operating across the county.

Years of conflict and inadequate maintenance facilities have left many tractors out of service, while the few operational machines have been overstretched, causing delays in land preparation for farmers.

The equipment includes an air compressor, a mobile diesel-powered welding generator, specialized mechanical toolboxes and personal protective equipment.

David Amule, Administrator of Yei County Training Centre, welcomed the support, saying restoring the tractors would enable farmers to expand the land under cultivation.

“We warmly welcome and thank GIZ for this timely support,” Amule said.

Isaac Asiki, Director of Agriculture at the County Agriculture Department, urged the Yei County Training Centre to put the equipment into immediate use and ensure proper maintenance and management.

“These garage tools and accessories must be put to immediate use so that our tractors are ready to serve every farmer waiting in our county,” Asiki said.

GIZ said repairing and returning the tractors to operation could benefit at least 3,000 farmers and support the cultivation of more than 10,000 hectares of farmland.

The CDRD project will also provide training for tractor operators and farmers on the use of agricultural machinery for ploughing, harrowing and sowing.

The project is implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, with co-financing from the European Union and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.