Let there be light
Residents of Okatunda and surrounding informal settlements in Tobias Hainyeko Constituency showed up in numbers on Wednesday to witness the inauguration of the electrification project in their area.This initiative by the City of Windhoek provides individual electricity connections to 803 households across the Okuryangava, Havana, and Otjomuise areas, specifically at Erf 3222 in Babylon, Okatunda – B in Okuryangava, Erf 1140 and Erf 1141 in Havana, and Erf 1355, Erf 3374, Erf 3376, and Erf 3377 in Otjomuise.
Additionally, the municipality said that 15 high mast lights will be installed in various informal settlements throughout Windhoek.
This project is part of the City’s five-year electrification plan, which aims to address the backlog of 4 000 un-electrified households. The plan is in its first year, with Okatunda being one of the key areas identified for immediate development.
The project is funded by the Ministries of Mines and Energy and Urban and Rural Development, with an investment of N$18 million.
During the inauguration, Windhoek mayor Queen Kamati said the project highlights the City’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents. “Electricity is not just a commodity; it is a lifeline. It powers our homes, fuels our businesses, lights our streets and most importantly, it provides hope and opportunity,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni reaffirmed the government’s dedication to delivering essential services to residents. He noted that this initiative exemplifies a collaborative approach, with the central government, through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and the Ministry of Mines and Energy, working in partnership with local authorities, service providers, and community leaders to deliver electricity where it is needed the most.