The Windhoek Municipal Council has approved a five-year electrification plan aimed at addressing the backlog of 4,000 unelectrified erven in various informal settlements.
The ground-breaking ceremony commenced on Wednesday as part of the City of Windhoek's commitment to offer more favourable conditions in informal areas.
The plan is currently in its first year, with the Okatunda informal settlement being one of the key areas identified for immediate development.
The goal is to reduce and address illegal connections and theft of electricity and to increase access to electricity services.
The project involves the electrification of 249 households, as well as the construction of medium- and low-voltage overhead networks, as well as street lighting.
Windhoek Mayor, Queen Kamati, says all strategic partners, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, are committed to ensuring that their strategic objectives and national development goals are aligned.
"Indeed, this project highlights our commitment to improving the quality of life for our residents. Electricity is not just a commodity; it is a lifeline. It powers our homes, fuels our businesses, lights our streets, and most importantly, it provides hope and opportunity. For too long, the residents of Windhoek's informal settlements have faced the challenges of darkness. This has not only limited their potential but has also compromised their safety, health, and well-being."
The government allocated N$10 million through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development for the first financial year, with N$3 million of this allocated for electrification projects.
The municipality intends to electrify the 4,000 households over five years, requiring funding of between N$15 million and N$20 million per annum.
The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, encouraged the municipality to intensify these projects, as they will contribute to the prosperity of and good living conditions for all citizens.
"This initiative clearly demonstrates smart partnerships, as alluded, where central government, through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and the Ministry of Mines and Energy, in collaboration with local authorities, service providers, and community leaders, is working vigorously to bring electrification projects to where they are needed the most."
The Minister stated that the municipality has demonstrated a positive response to the government's drive to narrow imbalances in development programmes.