Mboma, Masilingi receive houses with no electricity, no title deeds

Namibia’s sprinting sensations Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi on Monday received the keys to their donated three-bedroom houses in Rundu. However, the properties they should be calling home are still without electricity. Meanwhile, the land on which the houses stand has yet to be transferred to their names.

At a handover event that took place in Rundu’s Kaisosi location, Namibian Sun observed bare electrical wiring inside the homes, and it was confirmed that electricity has not been installed in either house.

The houses were constructed through a partnership between MTC, Nedbank and other stakeholders who funded the project to the tune of over N$1 million.

With regards to electricity installation, the responsibility fell on Nored, which was part of those who pledged support to the athletes.

Change of plans

When MTC announced the project, which was set to see the construction of the homes at the athletes’ respective villages, Nored pledged that it would electrify the new houses.

However, there was a change of plans after Mboma and Masilingi each received a plot in Rundu.

While the donated houses were constructed in Rundu, another house was built for Mboma at Bwata village.

Nored then went ahead and electrified that house, which has since been completed.

‘Doesn’t make sense’

A source at the electricity provider has now revealed that Nored is unwilling to electrify Mboma’s Rundu house for free, as it already electrified her Bwata home.

As for Masilingi’s new home in the riverside town, the source said Nored would honour its commitment, but added that “it does not make economic sense” to electrify that house alone.

The homes are built on a demarcated plot, which means it will be best if only one trench is dug and a single cable is laid for the two houses, the source said.

Committed

However, according to Nored spokesperson Simon Lukas, the company remains committed to electrify the houses.

“Both Nored and MTC are duly committed to honour their respective sponsorships to electrify the houses of our two golden girls. The electrification works are anticipated to be complete by the end of this week,” he said.

Chief of human capital and corporate affairs Tim Ekandjo echoed his sentiments, adding that MTC had initially committed to electrify both houses. He was, however, informed by the contractor - as the houses neared completion - that Nored would only electrify Masilingi’s.

Ekandjo said there must have been a mix-up in communication, but assured that MTC was still committed to seeing the project through to completion.

During the official handover, Rundu mayor Gabriel Kanyanga said the town council is still in the process of getting the title deeds for the plots, which were donated to the athletes in August 2021.

[email protected]