The Northern Regional Electricity Distribution (NORED) is anticipating upgrading 109,862 pre-paid meters within its jurisdiction by November this year. 

Its acting chief executive officer, Toivo Shovaleka, says so far, 102,867-meter boxes have been upgraded and rolled out across the northern regions, representing 94% coverage.

Shovaleka said NORED has completed the upgrade of meter boxes in Katima Mulilo.

He noted that during the operation, NORED upgraded 10,917 meters, while the rest are yet to be upgraded.

Shovaleka emphasised that it was disappointing to discover that 77 meters were bypassed and tampered with in the Zambezi Region.

"It is 22% of the total meters in the entire Nored area of operation. This theft of electricity is an illegal act that negatively impacts the business sustainability of NORED. We strongly discourage our customers from engaging in illegal connections, tempering, and by-passing metres."

He said such activities are dangerous because they can lead to electrocution and injuries. 

Shovaleka warned that those who are found tampering with electricity meters will not be supplied with electricity.

"We have experienced major power interruptions due to the rampant copper theft in Katima Mulilo town in particular, since the beginning of this year. We thank the Namibian Police in Zambezi Region for firm action against the culprits."

Shovaleka was speaking at Masambo Village during the commissioning of the Kongola Masambo Powerline in the Zambezi Region.