Keetmanshoop partners local authorities to cut electricity losses

Keetmanshoop partners local authorities to cut electricity losses

KEETMANSHOOP  – The Keetmanshoop Municipality on Tuesday signed a six-month energy management agreement with four local authorities and two regional councils to address electricity challenges and reduce financial losses.

The agreement is with the Maltahöhe, Aranos, Gibeon and Bethanie local authorities, as well as the ||Kharas and Hardap Regional Councils.

In an interview on Tuesday, the acting strategic executive of the Keetmanshoop Electricity Business Unit (KEBU) of the municipality Lee Mwemba, said the agreement allows KEBU to assist these entities in minimising electricity losses that have been draining their finances and interrupting operations.

The business unit will be responsible for revenue-collection from residents, and ensure that payments are made to NamPower.

“In December, we started in areas like Bethanie, Gibeon and Maltahöhe. We have seen the losses drop. For example, Bethanie incurred up to 60% electricity losses in the past, but this has been reduced to 19%. We want to reduce that to at least seven percent,” he said.

The Keetmanshoop Municipality will receive a four percent monthly management fee as part of the agreement.

The acting chief executive officer of the Gibeon Village Council, Pederius Tjihoreko, said the village council owed NamPower N$18 million.

He highlighted several issues, including illegal connections, electricity bypassing and ageing infrastructure, which have contributed to “a disaster situation” in Gibeon.

Tjihoreko said the village council signed the agreement, as it lacked the capacity and expertise to manage its electricity network.

“We needed people who have the capacity and expertise to help, hence we entered this agreement. It should also be understood that we are not giving away our assets, but transitioning electricity management temporarily while waiting for the full operationalisation of the ||Au-Ob Electricity Distribution Company,” he said.

He urged residents to support the initiative as it will benefit them, and holds long-term benefits for efficient and sustainable electricity management in the village. – Nampa