Cenored commissioned the electrification programme of the Ombili settlement in Otjiwarongo last week when Prime Minister Nahas Angula said that the development is reason to celebrate, also for other communities in Outjo, Tsumeb, Otavi and Grootfontein which fall under the regional electricity distributer’s peri-urban electrification drive.

Electricity was also specifically provided to the settlements of Saamstaan in Otjiwarongo, Reception Area in Outjo, Twatameka in Tsumeb, as well as Ondundu, Khoeb in Otavi and Extension 5 in Grootfontein and 1172 households have reportedly been connected to the national grid in these settlements to date. Cenored embarked upon the electrification drive with a loan secured from Bank Windhoek to the tune of N$15 million.

“As consumers we should help Cenored to pay back the money. I am happy to hear that Cenored has installed prepaid meters in the houses of consumers. This is good,” the Prime Minister said. He emphasised the need for consumers to monitor their use of electricity and to budget for its consumption. “I believe Cenored should also look into green energy, solar energy in particular, is worth exploring.

Communities should be given an option of using solar energy. I am aware that initial investment in solar energy is huge. But as technology improves, I believe the costs will decrease,” said Angula.
Representing Bank Windhoek, as member of its regional executive, Lukas Nanyemba said that Cenored’s peri-urban electrification project will make a huge difference in the lives of the local residents. “This project, as well as other projects in partnership with Cenored, is tacit proof of the mutually-beneficial relationship that exists between Bank Windhoek and Cenored,” he said.

According to Cenored spokesperson, Nizla Kozonguizi, the electrification aims to address the plight of people living in darkness in the informal settlements. “Besides this it will also secure an increase in the customer base and revenue for Cenored and its shareholders.” Kozonguizi explained that Cenored chose to use internal engineers to gain valuable experience and save the company N$1.5 million which would have been used to pay external consultants. The approved and estimated total contract amount was N$12 658 504, the remainder of which is effectively not applied yet, except for the electrification of the Okakarara Old Age residential area for N$200 000 and the Grootfontein Single Quarters individual metering installation which will cost N$550 000.
Final claims are still expected and to be evaluated, in particular from contractors Cuvelai, N.Greeff and G&S for Tsumeb, Ombili and Grootfontein respectively, said Kozonguizi. Also penalties for late completion have to be duly considered in view of extension of time applications. Non-committed funds currently amount to N$1 591 496, she explained.