Telecom Namibia has warned that the escalating copper theft is threatening critical telecommunications infrastructure and putting lives at risk, calling for stronger law enforcement and government intervention.

Erongo Red spends over half a million every month to restore electricity due to copper theft.

The Erongo Red chief executive officer said power provision is interrupted on a weekly basis when criminals strike out.

Erongo RED, in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has electrified 151 houses in Harambee Informal Settlement's Extension 8 in Karibib for N$3.6 million.