N$1m monthly power bill cripples Ndonga farm operations

The Ndonga Linena Green Scheme in Kavango East is forking out close to N$1 million each month on electricity – over N$12 million annually – a cost that continues to strain operations at the government-run farm.This was confirmed by the scheme's manager, Janno Rentel, who told Namibian Sun recently that electricity remains their 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 agriculture ministry is aware of the situation and is investigating alternative energy solutions to cut costs.In a report published last year, the ministry indicated that it was exploring solar-powered irrigation systems to cut energy bills at its green schemes. Ministry 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,” he said.Astronomical electricity costsMusheko said exorbitant electricity costs are driven up by continuous irrigation, which is required day and night throughout the year.“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 noted at the time. When contacted last week for an update, the agriculture ministry confirmed 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 the renewable energy roll-out 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.Cutting costs In addition to power costs, the ministry outlined several other operational challenges affecting green schemes countrywide. These include high production input costs due to reliance on imported fertilisers, seeds and chemicals, bloated wage bills, ageing machinery, poor soil conditions in some areas, and limited market access for wheat and other crops.To address these issues, the ministry said it is in high-level consultations to establish fertiliser plants, develop new management models for public-private partnerships, and explore strategies to boost domestic wheat processing capacity. - phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

N$1m monthly power bill cripples Ndonga farm operations

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-06

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N$1m monthly power bill cripples Ndonga farm operations

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-06

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