News from council chambers
Electricity distribution by Ongos developers to be reviewed
During the most recent council meeting, the City of Windhoek (CoW) discussed the development of a market by the PDM in Havana, as well as Ongos’ permission to operate under the CoW’s electrical distribution and supply licences.With regard to the establishment of the market, the CoW approved a donation from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) to construct a market for the traders operating along Enias Peter Nanyemba Road (formerly Monte Christo Road) in Havana.
The PDM will construct the open market near the Havana 4-way, to provide suitable space to 57 traders currently operating on the road reserve. The provision of trading infrastructures will ensure that traders have access to clean water, ablution facilities, and protection from harsh weather conditions while allowing traders to generate income in a regulated and safe environment.
In other news, Council approved that the City seeks a judicial review of a decision by the Minister of Mines and Energy to grant permission to Ongos Valley Development Electricity Distribution Company to operate under the distribution and supply licenses of the Municipal Council of Windhoek.
Council noted that although the decision by the Minister is in line with the provision of Section 34 of the Electricity Act, 2007 (Act 4 of 2007), it was taken without consultation and disregarded Council’s objections to the Electricity Control Board, which makes it unfair towards the Council.
The approval will have financial implications for the Council and will also set a bad precedence as Council has previously received similar requests from housing developments to operate and maintain their own electricity infrastructures, which were denied.
The Ongos Valley Development wants to establish an Ongos Valley Development Electricity Distribution Company which will own the electrical assets and operate the electricity distribution business within the township.