The European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela, said the EU will continue to invest in a sustainable and clean future for Namibia.

The commissioner visited the Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition (TIDRET) project at Swakopmund.

The Environmental Investment Fund implements the EU-funded project. The project connected coastal members of the Shack Dwellers Association's houses to affordable solar and renewable energy technology.

Residents commended the EU for investing in the project, which has improved their lives.

Cosmos Shaduka, the Project Manager at TIDRET, explained that, "It has given them that opportunity to also enter into economic activities. On your right-hand side, you will see that we have electrified a kindergarten, which not only generates income for the owner but also enables other community members to bring their children here while they go to work. Additionally, it provides them with opportunities for early childhood development and education. You will also see that many businesses were started because people in Swakop used to cook outside or on small gas stoves, so they couldn't make fat cakes or other products at home."

The EU commissioner believes funding renewable energy projects like TIDRET is the right thing to do.

"I am pleased that, through a very simple solution, we allowed access to electricity for 700 households. This is like an off-grid solution, but I think this is a big step forward. If you move from a house without electricity to one that has it, you will be able to cook, eat at night, have light, and allow the children to learn or read in the evening. What we are doing here is not just about us. This is the investment in the future to create jobs and value chains and to assure a secure and sustainable future for our kids and for generations to come."

The commissioner reiterated the EU's commitment to invest in transformable and sustainable projects in the country.