OTJIWARONGO – President Hifikepunye Pohamba last week on Tuesday inaugurated the Central Northern Electricity Distributor’s (Cenored) N$13 million head offices in Otjiwarongo in the Otjozondjupa Region.
In his keynote address, Pohamba stressed the importance of investing in infrastructural development, as this would improve administration, management and supply of electricity, which he said is one of the critical catalysts for the economy.
Sketching a bit of his growing up, the president said during his childhood having a candle at home was regarded as a privilege but now having access to electricity is no longer a luxury but an essential need.
“Our government continues to allocate funds to the three regional electricity distributors, namely Nored, Cenored and Erongo Red for the upgrading of sub-stations to meet the growing demand for electricity. Public funds that are provided to regional electricity distributors are part of our government’s commitment to the development of the electricity industry to boost and accelerate socio-economic development in our country,” explained Pohamba.
Pohamba outlined the importance of a reliable and affordable supply of electricity. “All modern production and economic activities such as farming, manufacturing, mining, fishing or commerce are highly dependent on affordable and reliable electricity supply. Therefore, in addition to grants for the upgrading of sub-stations, our government has allocated funds for the development of the Kudu gas-to-power project. This project will contribute significantly to our country’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity generation in the medium term. Surplus electricity will be exported to our neighbouring countries,” he said.
He commended Cenored for significantly having contributed towards improving the living conditions of Namibian citizens by offering free electricity to over 5 000 low-income households in Tsumeb, Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo, Otavi, Okakarara, Khorixas and Outjo informal settlements since 2011.
“I urge you to continue with the good work,” Pohamba implored Cenored.
“I am pleased to note that a further N$15 million has been availed to Cenored by the National Energy Fund for the expansion of urban electrification for the benefit of low-income groups. It is expected that through this electrification programme, more than 90 percent of residents in Cenored’s area of operation will have access to electricity by December 2014. I commend you for this important investment,” said the president.
Cenored management informed the president of their plans to build power lines from the Ohorongo Cement company to Otavi making electricity problems for residents a thing of the past.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Mines and Energy Isak Katali, Cenored Chief Executive Officer Mburumba Apollus, the Governor of the Otjozondjupa Region Samuel Nuuyoma and the Mayor of Otjiwarongo, Hilde Jesaya.
By John Travolter Matali