Zebaldt Ngaruka
OKATUMBA GATE – The Donkerpos community in the Omaheke region’s Otjombinde constituency was overwhelmed after a solar power system was installed in their area recently.
About 71 households in the settlement now benefit from streetlights and home solar systems valued at more than N$1 million, courtesy of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
“This is sort of empowerment, and we are happy that development is coming to our settlement,” said Donkerpos community coordinator Shorty Kandjego.
He told New Era the community in the settlement could not use their electrical appliances, while also facing problems of scorpion bites in the evenings due to darkness in their houses.
“Candles are expensive and risky, as
they pose a danger and could burn blankets
and sometimes an entire house. Some community members use oil to make light, which has harmful effects on humans,” the coordinator added.
Head of the project for the GIZ Simon Inauen said it is the first time this power system is to be used in Namibia.
“Electricity is needed because it is vital
for education, security and sanitation purposes. Learners may study during
evening hours, while streetlights are vital for the security of a person. Water pumps also
need electricity to pump water,” he stated.
Inauen said the lifespan of the system is 20 years, but it depends on how it is being
handled. “It is the responsibility of the community to take care of it,” he emphasised.
He then called on the government to
create a maintenance system for these power systems. “The idea is to train 10 women who will work on the maintenance aspect of these systems,” he continued.
The GIZ will also tackle several areas like Tsumkwe, which has electricity problems.
On his part, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate thanked GIZ for their efforts in restoring the dignity of the very first people in southern Africa.
“These power facilities are part of the developmental projects aimed at improving the living standards of our marginalised communities,” he added.
Nganate also called on Donkerpos residents to take good care of the power systems.
“You must refrain from vandalising these facilities. Take good care of them, and do not sell them,” warned the governor.
Selling food for alcohol
Nganate then expressed his disappointment with people selling government relief food
for alcohol in the region.
“This is worrisome. We have high cases of malnutrition, and children are dying of
hunger because of alcohol abuse. Time has come to change this attitude,” stated the region’s first citizen.
He further urged the Donkerpos
community to set up gardens and produce their own food. “There is no need to go around and ask for food, as asking will make you a beggar,” motivated Nganate.
Donkerpos and Vergenoeg are the only
San community settlements in the
Otjombinde constituency.