ELECTRIFICATION DRIVE EXPANDS POWER ACCESS IN SOUTHERN REGIONS
Access to reliable electricity plays a critical role in improving the quality of life in communities and driving socio-economic development. The electrification projects currently underway in the Hardap and ||Kharas regions aim to expand electricity access to underserved and peri-urban communities. These initiatives are expected to enhance living standards, stimulate local economies and reduce inequalities by ensuring that more households can benefit from a reliable power supply.
By extending electricity infrastructure, the government and its partners are supporting long-term community development, strengthening economic participation and improving overall wellbeing in these regions.
Officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony and site handover of the projects in the Hardap Region, Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding electricity access, particularly in peri-urban communities. Amutse, speaking at the event in Mariental, said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that electricity access improves the daily lives of households and supports economic development.
COLLECTIVE EFFORT
With peri-urban areas experiencing rapid population growth which often puts pressure on infrastructure development, the minister noted that expanding electricity coverage remains a shared national responsibility requiring collaboration between the government, regional authorities, utilities and local communities.
According to Amutse, a total amount of N$12 million has been allocated by the government to electrify 969 periurban households in the Hardap and ||Kharas regions, benefiting communities in Rehoboth, Mariental, Aranos, Hoachanas, Gibeon, Aroab, Bethanie, Berseba, Aus, Grünau and Warmbad.
Amutse commended local authorities for contributing additional funding, highlighting the Rehoboth Town Council’s N$2.5 million investment and the Mariental Municipality’s N$1.5 million contribution towards the projects. However, he encouraged communities to adopt solar energy solutions, especially where grid connections are difficult or costly.
“The ministry already operates a solar revolving fund, which assists households to finance solar systems in an affordable manner. In addition, the government is working with a range of partners under initiatives such as Mission 300, which aims to expand access to electricity by combining grid expansion with safe, properly regulated solar solutions,” he noted.
- Maggie Forcelledo Paz
