WALVIS BAY – Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (Erongo Red) is struggling with rising costs due to cable theft, with recent figures showing annual losses of around N$4.5 million. 

The company CEO, Tino !Hanabeb, said the losses pose a substantial setback, diverting funds that could otherwise support crucial electrification projects to improve electricity access for communities across the region. 

He highlighted these challenges during the opening of the Erongo Business and Tourism Expo, where Erongo Red sponsored over N$30 000 in electricity for the three-day event. 

“We’re facing a serious issue with cable theft. Just last month, approximately 200 metres of cable were stolen in Swakopmund alone. Incidents like these cost us millions each year. 

That money could have gone toward providing lighting and improving electricity access for our citizens,” he said. 

He stressed the need for a collaborative approach to securing electricity infrastructure and mitigating theft-related losses. 

“We’re committed to working with the local municipalities to boost security within our towns. Alongside the police, we aim to protect our assets and support the communities we serve,” he added. 

Amid these challenges, Erongo Red reaffirmed its dedication to community-focused policies, allocatingN$108milliontosupport small and medium enterprises through local procurement. 

“Our procurement prioritises local businesses, helping us reinvest in the community, and promote economic growth,” he noted. 

He said they are working in collaboration with the government to distribute electricity throughout Erongo. 

To this effect, the government has committed N$12 million as part of its electrification mandate. 

Cenored has matched this funding in a joint initiative with the energy ministry to expedite electrification in under-resourced areas, including Karibib, Usakos and Walvis Bay. 

“This partnership truly embodies collaboration. We’re equally committed to matching the ministry’s funding to ensure these communities receive electricity,” he said 

!Hanabeb said the electricity distributor made considerable infrastructure investments across the region. 

In recent years, it has increased its electricity capacity to 180 megawatts, with around 110 of them currently in use. 

To support sustainable power solutions, the utility has also facilitated solar rooftop installations, adding another 12 megawatts to the grid. 

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na