RUNDU – Thieves have destroyed an electrical facility worth N$1 million and stolen along two complete electricity kiosks at Rundu when underground electrical cables were uprooted at the recently developed industrial area.
All the street lights in the industrial area are now off due to theft and vandalism.
An electrical pole was also cut down with a saw and stolen.
The Rundu Town Council (RTC) started the project in 2021 to electrify the industrial area, which has already been sold to prospective businesses and was waiting for services to be brought to the area for them to develop facilities.
“People were unable to develop them because of lack of services then council decided to bring roads, water and electricity to the area so that business can start, apart from the roads and other services brought to this area. The project contract amount was N$1.5 million for electricity installation alone,’’ said the RTC manager of infrastructure, planning and technical services, John Sinime.
He said out of the initial budget of N$1.5 million budgeted for the electrification of the area, council have already spent about N$1.1 million.
“The project was nearing completion when vandalism and theft started. This behaviour is depriving our town of development,’’ he said on Monday.
The recently-developed industrial area now has water, roads and sewer lines, and it was left with only completing the electrifying process.
“This is a big setback for the council; two years ago, prices of the stolen items were cheaper, compared to now, so it will cost us more to rectify the damage. More money will be needed; we are talking about N$2.5 million, and the whole issue is that the project is still not handed over to council. It is still under the consultants and contractor,’’ Sinime noted.
He urged the public to report suspicious activities seen in the area or if anyone has seen anything that could help in apprehending culprits.
“If anyone is seen selling copper wires or cables, please report them to us. We have our law enforcement officers because if we don’t bring an end to this, we won’t be able to move ahead as planned with our town development,’’ he said.
“Instead of us pumping money into other projects, we have to redo the same things because of a few bad apples within our community. Those who want the town to progress, please give us a hint on where to get the culprits so the law can keep them where they belong – out of our community. If you see someone selling electrical items or a kiosk with a complete set, get in touch with us,” he said.