Erongo Red powers expo

Erongo Red Acting CEO Freddie Vries says the company reviewed its procurement policy and procedures recently to make them favourable to local businesses, especially SMEs, in order to stimulate local participation. Vries called on Namibians to migrate from traditional businesses such as shebeens and cuca shops, and to keep up with technology by inventing cutting-edge products and new ideas that could develop multi-national entities on the Namibia Stock Exchange (NSX) or Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). He was speaking at the opening of the ninth Namport Erongo Business and Tourism Expo in Walvis Bay on Wednesday. Vries said further it is of crucial importance that emerging entrepreneurs venture into renewable energy resources. “We need to take bold steps and make smart decisions now to invest in the most important aspect, which is our human capital, especially our youth, to be able to have sufficient skilled engineers and technicians by 2030 and be able to achieve and sustain Vision 2030.” “It is also important to support and stimulate local businesses which provide instant job opportunities for locals. While promoting local businesses is crucial, it should be everyone’s desire to enter other markets beyond Namibia’s borders. We must endeavour not only to produce for Namibia but for the world.” Recognising that no country can advance without industry, and no industry in turn could flourish without electricity, Vries announced the utility’s pledge of electricity throughout the duration of the 2015 Expo, which started on Wednesday, and runs until tomorrow. “By supporting this event, Erongo Red believes it is assisting with the creation of a perfect platform for business people to interact and display their products as well as discover and learn from other successful entrepreneurs,” Vries said. Regional distribution update Vries also provided a brief update on network capacity upgrades at towns in the region. The Walvis Bay bulk upgrade, which is the single largest project undertaken by Erongo Red in collaboration with NamPower, and valued at approximately N$500 million, is progressing well. Erongo RED also remains committed to the ‘Power to the People Project’, having connected houses in Karibib, Usakos, Omaruru and Otjimbingwe to the grid in the past 12 months. The construction of the Walvis Bay substation was completed, while the remainder of the project is at an advanced stage. The substation will be the gateway for all power supplied to Walvis Bay. OTIS FINCK