Green schemes face N$1 million monthly electricity bills

The Ndonga Linena Green Scheme in Kavango East is spending close to N$1 million per month on electricity, amounting to over N$12 million annually - a cost that continues to strain operations at the government-run farm.This was confirmed by Ndonga Linena’s farm manager, Janno Rentel, who told Network Media Hub that electricity remains the scheme’s single biggest financial burden.“It is our biggest downfall at Ndonga,” Rentel said, explaining that the high cost of keeping irrigation systems running around the clock has become unsustainable.He noted that the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform is aware of the situation and is currently exploring alternative energy solutions, particularly the use of solar power to cut long-term costs.In a report published last year, the ministry indicated that it was exploring solar-powered irrigation systems to curb mounting energy bills at its green schemes. The ministry’s spokesperson, Jona Musheko, told the media at the time that electricity costs had become a recurring challenge.“With bills currently reaching as high as N$400 000 per month at some locations, this initiative [solar] could potentially reduce electricity expenses by up to 90%, enabling reinvestment of profits into increasing productivity and growth within the schemes,” Musheko said.Continuous irrigationHe added that power costs are driven up by continuous irrigation, which is required throughout the day and night, regardless of the season.“During the two years of operating the green schemes, the electricity bill has been a major issue, consuming much of the generated revenues. We aim to reduce reliance on the grid and minimise electricity bills as much as possible,” he said.When contacted again on Friday for an update, the agriculture ministry confirmed to NMH that it had requested an additional budget to procure solar energy systems for the green schemes.“The ministry has initiated energy audits at all green scheme projects to accurately determine energy consumption costs,” a written response from the ministry stated. “These audits will guide the appropriate sizing and installation of solar energy at each location.”The ministry further confirmed that renewable energy rollout is its priority. “We requested an additional budget to procure solar energy,” it said, adding that switching to solar at all schemes, including Ndonga Linena, is under serious consideration.In addition to power costs, the ministry outlined a number of other operational challenges affecting green schemes countrywide. These include high production input costs due to imported fertilisers, seeds and chemicals, a bloated wage bill, ageing machinery, poor soil in some areas, and a lack of market access for wheat and other crops.To address these challenges, the ministry said it is in high-level consultations to set up fertiliser plants, is developing new management models for public-private partnerships, and is exploring strategies to boost domestic wheat processing capacity. - phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Green schemes face N$1 million monthly electricity bills

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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Green schemes face N$1 million monthly electricity bills

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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