Residents of Havana extensions 6 and 7 are now basking in the economic benefits that come with access to electricity.
The City of Windhoek yesterday officially inaugurated electrification in these informal areas, bringing the gift of electricity to more than 100 households.
For Sakeus Moses, a resident who has long-awaited this development, the electrification has brought immense joy and appreciation for the municipality’s efforts. He said the community had been waiting for electricity for an extended period. “We have been residing here since 2007 – and for far too long, we have relied on candles,” Moses shared.
The 60-year-old said, back then, it was dangerous to go to the bush because it was dark. Now, it will be a thing of the past, and they will be able to see where they are going. Children will also be able to study without the fear of leaving the lights on.
“Our children used to study – and when they slept, they left the candles on. We had fears that maybe, one day, we would die in the house when it burned down,” he added.
Another resident, Sirkka Kanime, expressed her excitement for the new development brought by the City.
“We used to suffer. Boys would grab our phones and bags when we came back from work or anywhere if we arrived home late,” she said. She noted that the children will now also stop playing in the streets, and will instead be watching television and learning new things. Furthermore, the residents will drink cold water and charge their phones freely.
“I am very excited – and now, I can even start a small business because I can use electricity anytime,” she enthused.
Kanime then pleaded with the municipality to provide portable toilets in their houses because even if there is electricity, it is still dangerous to go into the bush.
She further encouraged her fellow citizens to pay the municipality so that they can continue to bring services closer to the people.
Speaking at the inauguration, Windhoek mayor Joseph Uapingene said the City commenced with the electrification of informal settlements around Windhoek in the 2017/2018 financial year.
To date, approximately 3 515 service connections have been completed, and the affected households now use electricity.
The electrification projects were funded by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and Nampower, with a combined capital investment of around N$45 million.
“The works for the electrification of Havana extensions 6 and 7, phase 2, were completed by MH Electrical 458 contractors. The total number of households to be electrified during this phase is 162. To date, 105 households were connected and switched on to the electricity grid, and they are now able to use electricity services,” he noted.
Uapingene said the City needs money, further urging the public to pay their debts for them to continue providing services to the people. “To reach the targets of the plan, the City of Windhoek requires funding of N$15 million to N$29 million per annum. To this end, the City of Windhoek is engaging various potential financial institutions for grant funding for the targeted 400 households to be electrified over the next five years,” he added.
Samora Machel constituency councillor Nestor Kalola said the day marks a significant milestone in the electrification of the informal areas – and as a councillor, he is pleased with the progress and commitment demonstrated by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, the City of Windhoek and Nampower.
“The growing rate of rural-to-urban migration requires us, as leaders, to plan and provide basic services in all constituencies. It is only through collaboration at regional, local and technical levels that we are able to respond and ensure our residents enjoy the quality of life, and that they are able to contribute towards the development of our nation,” he added.
Kalola said, as key stakeholders in the provision of basic services, it is equally important to recognise key milestones and maintain the momentum. - epicnakwezy@gmail.com