ONGWEDIVA – Water reticulation and electricity services for the Omashaka Proper location in Ondangwa are underway and will see 153 households benefitting from the exercise.

The servicing of the location is in line with the town’s five-year strategic plan, which falls under the strategic initiative of developing informal areas.

According to the town’s spokesperson, Petrina Shitalangaho-Mutikisha, the water connection servicing commenced on Monday and is due for completion by 7 December.

“It is a one-month project, and the servicing is going to be done by council employees because, at this point, we are trying cost-cutting measures. Our employees have expertise in carrying out similar projects, as they have done the same in other areas of the town. It is also cost-effective in a way that the council does not pay for labour but just buys materials,” said Shitalangaho-Mutikisha.

She said upon completion, house owners will have access to potable water in their homes and will be required to pay connection fees.

“In most informal areas, most people share water taps, but for our informal area, the people will have their own connection points at their homes, having their own water, instead of walking long distances to fetch water,” the spokesperson said.

As for electricity, the project, which started around August is 90% complete.

“The cost of the electricity project is N$3.5 million,” said Shitalangaho-Mutikisha.

In September, the town started with the electrification of Omahenene location with financial assistance of the energy ministry. 

Omashaka Proper has around 350 plots, of which five are public open spaces.

“Omashaka Proper is still an informal area; however, the process of upgrading it has commenced, and it is at its infancy stage,” she noted. - maxhenrich356@gmail.com