267 Mix homes to be electrified

The City of Windhoek plans to connect 267 homes in Mix Extension 1 to electricity by the end of September, part of an ongoing infrastructure push in the fast-growing informal settlement.

The update was shared at a public meeting on Sunday between the Windhoek municipality, the Khomas Regional Council and Mix residents, led by City councillor Demetreo Beukes and Windhoek Rural regional councillor Willem Gariseb.

Mix has grown from about 500 structures in 2008 to roughly 1 600 today, and the City is progressively redesigning and formalising the settlement to accommodate its expansion, with plans for roads, sewer networks and housing.

Residents whose structures stand where services are planned were urged to cooperate with relocation requests to allow the work to proceed.

The City also announced that 141 outstanding certificates of occupation will be issued during officials’ visits to the settlement every Tuesday and Thursday.

A site has been identified for a community office, which is intended to improve residents’ access to services.

Solar energy was also highlighted during the meeting, with residents encouraged to consider solar solutions for their homes.

Free consultations are available, and financing can be accessed through the Ministry of Mines and Energy Ministry's solar revolving fund.

Patience and cooperation

On sanitation, one sanitation hub has been completed and two more are planned, while waste is collected every Tuesday and Thursday. A community clean-up campaign is also under consideration.

Residents also requested a trading market and a stronger City Police presence, both of which authorities said they are exploring. The City said Mix's continued growth will require patience and cooperation as the settlement is redesigned and infrastructure developed.

The meeting forms part of ongoing public engagements aimed at addressing residents' concerns and moving the settlement from planning to visible development.