Residents of Gam in the Otjozondjupa Region have raised concerns over years of unreliable electricity that left them with spoiled food supplies and children unable to study at night.
 
The residents told NBC News that repeated efforts to authorities in addressing the situation have failed on death ears.
 
The traditional leadership in Gam is now calling on authorities to find a permanent solution to what they describe as 'a long-standing electricity crisis.'
 
The Traditional leader of the Ovaherero Traditional Community in Gam, Jacob Maekopo, stated that the community endured years of unreliable electricity with little sign of a lasting solution.
 
According to Maekopo, electricity is available for only about three hours.
 
“We have a big problem with this solar power. We have solar power here, but it doesn't operate for 24 hours. It takes maybe three hours and then stops. Our food inside the fridge becomes rotten due to this solar power. We have school children here in Gam, but they can't study at night because of the electricity issue. This is a big challenge. So we invite you to come soon and solve this problem here because our children cannot study at night because of the solar power problem.”
 
Maekopo noted that although technicians have previously visited the Settlement to address the problem, the interruptions continue.
 
He urged authorities to send specialists to properly diagnose the fault and implement a permanent solution.
 
“People are coming here. But they are not experts; after they go back, the problem continues. We don't know what the problem is. We request them to come soon and solve this problem because our kids are unable to study. Just reply to us soon, as soon as you receive the message.”
 
Gam, which has a population of more than two thousand inhabitants, is supplied with electricity through a solar power system, with a diesel generator serving as backup during the night when solar energy is unavailable.
 
However, the system's aging batteries can no longer store enough energy.
 
NBC News also sought comment from Central North Regional Electricity (CENORED).
 
However, the utility's Corporate Communications and Marketing Officer was not available to comment.