The Northern Namibia Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED) has produced a turnaround strategy, hoping to put an end to declining profits and underperformance. 

At the launch in Rundu, NORED's Executive for Business Strategy, Christopher Aimwata, said steps had to be taken to prevent the institution from going under. 

"There were challenges, and those challenges were declining profits; we were also faced with liquidity challenges where we were unable to meet our financial obligations. At one stage, there was a day in June last year where NamPower cut the supply of electricity to NORED, and I think the whole north and part of Namibia were in darkness as a result of debt."

The turnaround strategy is targeting a 30% gross profit, promising to improve on funding and to increase the quality of supply and service, amongst many other objectives. 

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa said the effective implementation of the strategic plan will ensure its success.

"I've seen many people just go around, saying we are OK; we have our strategic business plan, but it's not enough. A strategic business plan is a dynamic document. This plan has been developed by NORED, but it's not only to be used by NORED. This document must be available to all stakeholders, starting with your leadership, political leaders, business and private sector, and individuals, so that they understand the contents of the document and help you enrich in adapting the document to address the real challenges."

NORED distributes electricity to eight of the country's 14 regions with 90,000 customers.