Power to the powerless

Oshakati Premier Electric (OPE) through its free electrification programme in various informal settlements in Oshakati has thus far electrified about 588 households.The power distributor still has to electrify 532 households to meet the 1 120 target. OPE embarked on the programme last year after realising that 1 120 households in settlements they had electrified about 16 years ago were not yet connected to the grid. As a result OPE used half of its dividend to the Oshakati Town Council to provide free electrification. A total amount of N$7 million is being spent on the programme. The residents in Uupindi North and South, Evululuko Extension 10, 11 and 12, Okandjengedi and Ompumbu were then encouraged to apply in order to receive the free electrification and not pay the N$6 000 connection fee. According to OPE spokesperson Rautia Mwaala, the project is still ongoing and OPE plans to meets its target. “The overall target has not been reached, but the project is still ongoing. We are optimistic that more applicants will be connected as we continue to sensitise the residents of Oshakati town to come and apply,” Mwaala said. She pointed out that since the start of the project last year in October they had received about 1 000 applications. Some had to be disqualified because the applicants either lived outside the planned areas or because of challenges with ownership verification. She said they would continue to engage the town council in order to see how they can overcome these challenges. Mwaala also pointed out that OPE had made funds available for the electrification of Onawa settlement. At the launch of the project last year OPE CEO Nelson Sheya said the initiative would contribute towards the sustainable development goals, which are to end poverty, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all as well as to promote the inclusivity and economic growth. “This will go far in achieving the desired outcome with respect to economic transformation which is economic empowerment leading to higher inclusion of disadvantaged groups into the formal economy of the Harambee goal and outcome and thereby ensuring prosperity for all and creating a society where no one feels left out,” Sheya remarked. KENYA KAMBOWE

Power to the powerless

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-04

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Power to the powerless

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-04

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