Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse has called on electricity distributors to reach consensus on project implementation, noting that such collaboration would help craft a faster and more effective approach to implementation.
He said this during a ministerial engagement on accelerating the delivery of electrification projects in Ondangwa on Monday.
Amutse encouraged electricity distributors to remain resilient in their collective efforts to bring services closer to the people.
He noted that service delivery should go beyond boardroom discussions and focus on meeting people's expectations through tangible results that improve the livelihoods of Namibians across all 14 regions.
About 77.3% of households are connected to the electricity grid, with 37.9% forming the rural population.
Amutse was, however, at pains to state that although some 75.5% of sampled enumeration areas had grid availability, only half of households in those areas are connected to the grid – a situation the minister says needs to change.
"A pole cannot light a textbook, and a transformer cannot keep food cold. The mere presence of a transformer and an electricity line near a home does not equate to having electricity within that home. We must not commission infrastructure while the intended beneficiaries remain in darkness. For instance, installing a transformer near business setups and declaring the project complete is misguided; the work is far from finished. What people truly need is a proper connection; they did not request merely the installation of a transformer."
Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge has called on electricity distributors to work closely with regional leadership when rolling out national programmes. He said this will ensure that projects remain aligned with realities on the ground.
Iipinge said those responsible for electricity distribution must carry out their duties efficiently, particularly when resources are available and responsibilities have been assigned.
The involvement of governors should not be viewed as a transition into roles such as engineers or procurement officers. Rather, it is essential to ensure that national programmes remain aligned with the priorities of the communities they are designed to serve. Concurrently, regional leaders have a responsibility to manage expectations transparently and honestly.