City targets electrification of 2 000 informal households before year-end
The City of Windhoek is set to electrify more than 2 000 households in informal settlements before the end of the year.
Swapo councillor Fransina Kahungu confirmed this during a site visit to Babylon Erf 3222 with the City\'s advisory committee on basic services this week.
Kahungu expressed satisfaction with progress made so far, noting that 113 homes have already been electrified.
She highlighted the crucial support from both central government and corporate partners.
“We are very happy because the central government made this electrification project possible. We also want to appreciate the assistance we receive from companies like Nampower. They made it possible as well,” she said.
The councillor explained that the project primarily targets households in informal settlements across Moses ?Garoëb, Samora Machel, Khomasdal and parts of Tobias Hainyeko.
“As we speak, we are aiming to electrify more than 2 000 households before the end of this year,” Kahungu stated.
Delays
Kahungu acknowledged some of the obstacles causing delays, noting that relocation of certain households is often required.
“Some will ask why it takes us so long. As you can see, there is a need for some houses to be relocated," she said.
"Even now, there are people who refuse to move their houses, some who do not want to sign the lease agreement, and others who prefer solar electricity," she noted.
She added that the City encourages cooperation to allow the construction of roads, emphasising that “the majority are working well together with us.”
Added benefits
Kahungu highlighted the wider benefits of electrification, linking it to land rights.
“When you are given electricity, we also show you your portion of land. So it is electricity together with land. Any household that is given electricity is also given the opportunity and the right to occupy that municipal land,” she explained.
Community leader of the Babylon informal settlement area A, Kasavi Alfons, praised the City’s efforts. “Although some electricity meters are failing to register on the system, the majority of the people’s shacks have successfully been electrified,” he said.
“We are really grateful for this long-overdue service delivery. At least now we can appreciate having electricity.”
Alfons also noted ongoing challenges with water accessibility, pointing out that “some water points are far from our shacks, and sometimes the infrastructure is damaged,” but added that “the City often addresses these issues promptly, which makes me grateful for their efforts in upgrading the informal settlement.
Swapo councillor Fransina Kahungu confirmed this during a site visit to Babylon Erf 3222 with the City\'s advisory committee on basic services this week.
Kahungu expressed satisfaction with progress made so far, noting that 113 homes have already been electrified.
She highlighted the crucial support from both central government and corporate partners.
“We are very happy because the central government made this electrification project possible. We also want to appreciate the assistance we receive from companies like Nampower. They made it possible as well,” she said.
The councillor explained that the project primarily targets households in informal settlements across Moses ?Garoëb, Samora Machel, Khomasdal and parts of Tobias Hainyeko.
“As we speak, we are aiming to electrify more than 2 000 households before the end of this year,” Kahungu stated.
Delays
Kahungu acknowledged some of the obstacles causing delays, noting that relocation of certain households is often required.
“Some will ask why it takes us so long. As you can see, there is a need for some houses to be relocated," she said.
"Even now, there are people who refuse to move their houses, some who do not want to sign the lease agreement, and others who prefer solar electricity," she noted.
She added that the City encourages cooperation to allow the construction of roads, emphasising that “the majority are working well together with us.”
Added benefits
Kahungu highlighted the wider benefits of electrification, linking it to land rights.
“When you are given electricity, we also show you your portion of land. So it is electricity together with land. Any household that is given electricity is also given the opportunity and the right to occupy that municipal land,” she explained.
Community leader of the Babylon informal settlement area A, Kasavi Alfons, praised the City’s efforts. “Although some electricity meters are failing to register on the system, the majority of the people’s shacks have successfully been electrified,” he said.
“We are really grateful for this long-overdue service delivery. At least now we can appreciate having electricity.”
Alfons also noted ongoing challenges with water accessibility, pointing out that “some water points are far from our shacks, and sometimes the infrastructure is damaged,” but added that “the City often addresses these issues promptly, which makes me grateful for their efforts in upgrading the informal settlement.
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