SWAKOPMUND – Vandalism of electricity infrastructure has turned into a costly exercise for Erongo RED, costing the distributor N$70 000 a month to safeguard their infrastructure, translating into around N$1 million yearly. This was revealed by Erongo RED’s CEO, Tino !Hanabeb during the launch of the electrification of DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund. According to !Hanabeb, the theft and vandalism of copper wiring incurred a staggering financial burden of N$1.7 million during the 2022/2023 financial year on Erongo RED’s shoulders. As a consequence, they had no choice but to institute alternative measures to protect their infrastructure. “This poses a significant threat to our vision, which centres on the widespread distribution of electricity across the Erongo region. It is a financially burdensome endeavour and no developer possesses the capacity to reinvest such substantial sums into repairs, maintenance, or the replacement of substations and transformers in the future, except for regional electricity distributors (REDs) and NamPower,” !Hanabeb said. On her part, Erongo RED board chairperson Zoe Nambahu lauded the collaborative efforts of the electricity distributor and the municipality in ensuring universal electricity access throughout the region. She underscored that Namibia’s overall electrification rate stands at approximately 50%, implying that approximately 300 000 households remain without electricity. This segment of the population lacking electricity constitutes a substantial portion and is yet to benefit from this fundamental utility, she said. “Reliable and sustainable electricity access remains pivotal to development, as it has the potential to enhance income, elevate education, and alleviate poverty. Today, we are collectively dedicated to improving the living standards of our compatriots through access to this fundamental commodity – electricity,” Nambahu buttressed. Erongo’s political head, governor Neville Andre also emphasised the significance of electricity. He highlighted that the role of electricity is not only enhancing community livelihoods but also stimulating the local economy. He added that electrification initiatives provide each Namibian with an opportunity to engage with new technologies, ensure safety during evening hours and become more productive contributors to society. “Consequently, it is our duty to prioritise the preservation of this infrastructure, established for our benefit. Let’s collaborate to safeguard against vandalism and promptly report any individuals damaging this infrastructure to the authorities,” the youthful governor stated. – edeklerk@nepc.com.na