The Otjinene Village Council, in collaboration with Cenored, is set to electrify 47 houses constructed under the Shack Dwellers Federation programme.
The first phase of electrification has a budget of N$1.2 million.
The Chairperson of the Otjinene Village Council, Lesley Kauandara, emphasised that this exercise is long overdue due to financial constraints.
But now, with assistance from Cenored, this much-needed service is being extended to Shack dwellers.
Kauandara added that what is required now is for the community to render much-needed support to the contractor to ensure that the work is done on schedule.
"This is a new area. It's been almost three to five years since these houses were constructed, and due to financial constraints and limited resources in small village councils like Otjinene, that's the main reason for the delay. We have even submitted three different areas to be electrified, but despite the fact that they do have financial problems, they have elected the Shack Dwellers Federation this year, and next time they go to the other two proposed sides."
On behalf of Cenored, the Area Manager for Omaheke and Okahandja, Beren Kaurimuje assured that the company has committed itself to assist with rural electrification projects, yearly, provided that funds are enough.
"Each year, all our stakeholders, which are the shareholders of Cenored, are putting together a budget for rural electrification, and that budget depends on the money that we have for that specific year, so every year there are activities of rural electrification in every area we are operating."
One of the beneficiaries, Kuhepa Tjipetekera, is excited for the potential, saying that electricity will allow many in the community to venture into small business activities.
Equally, she says students will be able to study at night without hindrance, something not possible previously.
"We are so excited. We are thanking all involved stakeholders, and even our children have used candlelight to study all along, so today we are very happy."
The contractor, Barnabas Goagoseb, made it known that the team is ready to commence work next week, adding that they will bring on board 20 local residents as part-time employees.
The first phase is anticipated to be concluded by the end of June 2024.