By: Patemoshela Lukolo
The Usab Informal Settlement in Karibib has been connected to the national grid, bringing power to 257 households through a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, Erongo RED, Navachab Gold Mine, and the Karibib Town Council.
The project was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by government officials, local leaders, and residents.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangwe Ithete, officiated the handover, describing the electrification as a milestone in the government’s efforts to ensure every Namibian household has access to electricity by 2040.
“The electrification of 257 houses speaks of our commitment to implement the government’s policy of electrifying every Namibian household,” he said.
Of the total connections, 133 houses were funded under a Service Level Agreement between the ministry and Erongo RED, while 124 were financed by Navachab Gold Mine in partnership with the Karibib Town Council.
The initiative contributes to the national target of 70 percent electricity access by 2030 under the sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6). Ithete said that about 47 percent of Namibian households are currently connected to the national grid, while 12 percent rely on solar energy. He called on other companies to emulate Navachab Mine’s example by investing in long-term infrastructure through corporate social responsibility programmes.
“Such initiatives will enhance social progress and drive transformation in our communities,” he said.
Erongo RED Board of Directors chairperson, Zoë Nambahu, added that the project reflects the value of partnerships in service delivery to communities.
“Access to reliable and sustainable electricity is a cornerstone of development. It empowers communities, enhances education, promotes entrepreneurship, and uplifts the dignity of every household,” she said.
She stated that Erongo RED would continue expanding electrification in rural and peri-urban areas and shared that the corporation is currently mapping unelectrified settlements across the Erongo Region. Through this, they have identified over 10,000 dwellings requiring connection, at an estimated cost of N$600 million.
Navachab Gold Mine managing director, George Botshiwe, said the electrification of Usab is proof of what can be achieved when partnerships are driven by purpose and focused on progress.
“This project demonstrates the success of collaboration between the public and private sectors. Mining must be an enabler of community empowerment and ensure that the benefits of natural wealth are felt by citizens,” he said.
Botshiwe explained that the project supports Namibia’s NDP 6 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of affordable energy, sustainable cities, and poverty reduction. He outlined Navachab’s corporate social investment pillars, namely infrastructure development, education and training, health and well-being, safety and security, and entrepreneurship and job creation.
He also announced that Navachab would fund the next phase of electrification for Karibib communities and shared updates on a new medical centre being developed in the town.
The N$80 million project is at the tendering stage, with construction starting in November. The tender conditions include employing local Karibib residents, especially the youth.
In his welcoming remarks, Karibib Mayor Davey van Wyk said the handover marks progress in the town’s development journey. He urged residents to take ownership of the new infrastructure, saying “This development is for you. It is now your responsibility to maintain and preserve the value of this investment.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ithete confirmed that a second phase of electrification under a new Service Level Agreement has already started and will connect 187 additional houses in Usab, extending services to Extensions 7, 8, and the Harambee location by 2026.
He called on residents to work with the town council and avoid settling in unserviced areas. “Government cannot electrify unplanned areas. Let us develop Karibib by adhering to the town plan,” he remarked.
The ceremony concluded with a collective commitment from government, industry, and community representatives to safeguard the infrastructure and ensure the project’s sustainability.
The partners said the initiative stands as an example of cooperation aimed at expanding access to essential services and improving living conditions in Namibia’s communities.
