The Technical University of Munich, in collaboration with the Namibia University of Science and Technology, through their Sustainable Energies and Entrepreneurial Development programme, brought hope to the small community at Farm !Kharoxas, which is situated some 8km outside of Groot|Aub.
The two institutions of higher education have constructed a solar power plant at the community farm at a cost of about N$890 000.
The traditional leader of the |Khomanin, Gaos Juliane Gawa!nas, arrived with her delegation to officiate at the handing over ceremony of the 20 kW solar power plant.
The idea that gave birth to the establishment of this plant was conceived in 2021 by a German professor, and he believes it can expand and provide 50 households with electricity, though the estimated cost stands at N$1 million.
Professor Frank-Martin Belz of the Technical University of Munich explains that the project was funded with the hope of bringing power to the community, empowering them and enhancing their quality of life.
He says the solar plant will also serve as a training ground for NUST students and foreign exchange students.
"We want to bring sustainable energy to the communities without access to electricity, just like you, and we have built eight living labs in different communities; five in Africa, two in Asia, and one in South America."
He urged the community to imitate projects that would see them use the power plant to generate income.
|Khomanin Gaos Gawa!nas says the power plant will be a catalyst in the creation of employment and will contribute to the socio-economic development of the rural community, not only at !Kharoxas but also in the surrounding areas.
"Development projects of such a nature are very important for our youth. They give the youth an opportunity to learn and, thus, they too can transfer skills and knowledge to one another."
The distribution network from the power plant to the households has yet to be set up. The design of the grid has already been finalized by the engineering students at NUST.