The Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (RED) has committed to electrifying 1 838 houses across the region within the next four months.
The initiative, valued at N$66.8 million, will be undertaken in honour of late founding president Sam Nujoma, and will cover Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Usakos, Karibib and Henties Bay.
Speaking at the institution’s annual employee engagement on Wednesday, Erongo RED chief executive Immanuel !Hanabeb stated that electricity is not just a basic need but an enabler of progress, education and economic development.
“People say water is life, but electricity is the greatest enabler. It allows learners to study longer, businesses to thrive and families to store food safely,” he said.
The project also aims to support small and medium enterprises by ensuring reliable electricity connections in business parks.
“We have tailors, barbers and shop owners all relying on a single electricity source. That must change,” the CEO emphasised.
He called on stakeholders to work together to realise the goal of ensuring universal electricity coverage in honour of Nujoma and his legacy.
Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to supporting Erongo RED’s electrification efforts.
“The relationship between the Swakopmund Municipality and Erongo RED has been profound, not just because of shareholding, but because we both strive towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of this country,” he said.
The mayor raised concerns over the rise in electricity cable theft, which continues to hinder development efforts.
Between 2018 and 2024, over 100 copper cable theft-related cases were recorded in the region, costing Erongo RED over N$5 million.
“There is a paradox at Swakopmund. On the one hand, we push for electrification, but on the other, we face daily cable theft. This is a serious issue costing us millions, funds that could have been used for further development,” he lamented.
The mayor assured Erongo RED of the municipality’s full support in combating copper cable theft and urged all stakeholders to work together to tackle the crisis.
WRITTEN BY: ISABEL BENTO
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