As part of its efforts to provide electricity in informal settlements, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, in conjunction with the City of Windhoek, held a groundbreaking ceremony for high mast lights in Havana.
The absence of electricity in some parts of the informal settlements, such as Samora Machel Constituency, is a setback to the residents ability to engage in productive activities and also compromises their safety, health, and well-being.
However, darkness and the struggles of candles will be a thing of the past come the end of July and August this year.
The installation of high mast lights is part of the City of Windhoek's electrification project to provide informal communities with a reliable energy source.
The City of Windhoek Mayor, Queen Kamati, says the rapid rate of urbanisation requires an interventional plan to provide basic services across the capital.
"We must embrace a collaborative model at regional, local, and technical levels to optimise our response to the rapid changes and demands brought about by urbanisation trends, especially in informal areas. As key stakeholders in the provision of basic services and the formalisation of informal areas."
Other informal areas to which this service will be rolled out are Okahandja Park, Kilimandjaro, and Okuryangava, as well as Havana.
The installation that will be done in Havana is part of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development's commitment to improve the quality of life for every resident, regardless of socio-economic status, says the minister responsible, Erastus Uutoni.
"This high mast project is fully funded by the government through the budgetary allocation of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. The installation of the five high mast lights will cost N$2,868,750.00, including the power supplies to all the sites. The completion of the projection is expected to be by the end of July 2024."
The Windhoek Municipality has recently approved a revised five-year electrification plan to guide the implementation of the Electrification Projects for the next five years.
The project plans to electrify approximately 4,000 households in the next five years, which will cost about N$15–N$20 million per year.