MARIENTAL – An ambitious solar energy project proposed by MarieSol Energy in Mariental is on ice, facing significant political and legal challenges that threaten its realisation.
Initially launched in December 2019, the project aims to supply 30% of the municipality’s electricity needs through renewable energy sources.
On 9 December 2019, Paul Nghiwilepo, CEO of the Mariental Municipality, sent a letter of intent to MarieSol Energy for the construction of a photovoltaic (PV) solar facility. This initiative was expected to alleviate the municipality’s reliance on costly electricity spending, particularly as it grapples with a staggering N$60 million debt to NamPower.
In March 2023, Nghiwilepo submitted a request for a power purchase agreement (PPA) to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development.
“I have not received any feedback yet,” he stated when questioned about the status of the project. This lack of communication has left many in the community frustrated and concerned about the future.
Executive director in the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development Nghidinua Daniel, confirmed that the draft agreement between the Mariental Municipal Council and project proponents was submitted to the ministry last year.
Responding to this publication, he emphasised that the document is currently undergoing thorough scrutiny and consultations, which involve multiple government stakeholders beyond his ministry.
“We have been in touch with the Mariental council and alerted it to this status,” said Daniel, indicating ongoing communication regarding the progress of the agreement.
He assured that there is no intentional delay in the review process, saying, “From our side, we are not aware of any intentional delay in the scrutiny and a decision on the matter.”
The situation escalated when MarieSol Energy filed a claim against the municipality, following a letter of intent received on 6 December 2019. The High Court intervened on 28 April 2023, directing both parties to engage in mediation. A settlement was reached on 21 June 2023, stipulating that both parties would collaborate in good faith towards realising the project, contingent upon ministerial approval.
However, recent correspondence from MarieSol’s legal team indicate that no substantial actions have been taken by the council to implement the settlement terms.
“To date, no bona fide steps have been taken by the council to implement the terms of the agreement,” their letter dated 14 October 2024, warned.
Sources allege that political interference from the Landless People’s Movement (LPM)-led council is deliberately stalling progress on this vital project.
“The project is being intentionally stalled by the LPM council as a ploy to get kickbacks,” claimed a reliable source familiar with the situation.
Critics argue that this delay is preventing residents from benefiting from what could be an essential source of affordable energy.
The community is already feeling the repercussions of these delays. “Due to the lack of care for the community shown by the council, we are not reaping any benefit from this project currently,” lamented the source.
The anticipated creation of over 200 temporary jobs and approximately 10 permanent positions hang in limbo, as political maneuvering continues.
As Namibia strives for energy independence and sustainability, projects like MarieSol’s are crucial, they argue. The Mariental solar facility represents an opportunity for economic growth and energy autonomy in a region known for its high solar irradiation potential.
“Investing in renewable energy technologies is inevitably the future for our country,” stated energy minister Tom Alweendo during previous discussions on renewable energy initiatives. The government aims to reduce reliance on electricity imports, which accounted for over 70% of Namibia’s annual electricity needs last year.
The future of the Mariental solar project remains uncertain as legal disputes and political tensions escalate.
Dirty politics
Also, the region has been accused where residents of Kriess, a village situated about 60 kilometres west of Mariental were unable to access a health facility due to a political standoff between the LPM and the ruling Swapo Party. The container clinic, which is fully equipped and intended for community health services, remains locked as the LPM-led regional leadership has reportedly refused to transfer it to the ministry of health.
Sources close to the situation suggested that this refusal is driven by concerns that Swapo would gain recognition for the project, which was initiated during their administration. “The LPM is hesitant to hand over the clinic because they want to avoid giving Swapo any credit for this development,” noted a local resident at that time.
The container clinic was funded by Namibia Ports Authority, costing approximately N$360 000. It was requested by Swapo leaders but received under LPM leadership. However, political tensions have overshadowed its intended purpose, leaving residents without crucial healthcare access.
However, the LPM is reaffirming its commitment to the professional development of its councillors amidst recent rumours regarding their conduct.
LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa emphasised the party’s proactive approach to ensuring that councillors have access to training and growth opportunities. Responding to this publication, Simataa said, “We have had an annual councillors’ workshop, which is a capacity building programme to ensure there is skill sharing, skill upgrading and ethical conduct training.”
This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of councillors and maintain high standards of ethical behaviour within the party. Addressing the circulating rumours about the behaviour of LPM regional leaders, Simataa expressed scepticism about their validity. “We do not believe that this rumour that LPM regional leaders are conducting themselves in this manner is true,” he stated. He further encouraged individuals who feel there may be foul play to utilise the established mechanisms for reporting such issues.