The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, has officially commissioned the rural electrification project at Haimbodi-Hamukoto Growth Centre in Epanya Village, Okatana Constituency, Oshana Region.

Speaking during the commissioning, Minister Amutse noted that rural electrification is crucial as it brings services and infrastructure closer to the people and makes a significant difference in their lives.

He added that the project provides access to electricity infrastructure but does not include connections to individual homes and businesses.

Amutse said the project should have included service connections to individual homes and businesses. Adding that infrastructure is necessary, but infrastructure is not yet the final service.

"A pole cannot light a textbook. A transformer cannot keep food cold. A line passing a home is not the same as electricity inside that home. I want to see a learner studying under a safe electric light. I want to see a small shop using refrigeration. I want to see a tailor, a welder, a hairdresser, a farmer and a young entrepreneur using power to earn an income."

The minister calls on households and businesses that are able to connect to come forward and prepare their premises through qualified and authorised electrical practitioners. He urges them to follow safety procedures and refrain from illegal connections.

"Follow safety rules, do not make illegal connections. An unsafe connection can destroy a home or take a life. I call on the community to protect this infrastructure and report cable theft and vandalism. Keep children away from dangerous equipment, pay for electricity use, and use power safely. The money invested here belongs to the people, protect your own development."

The electrification of Haimbodi-Hamukoto Growth Centre was funded by the Oshana Regional Council and executed by NORED with the help of Forever Electrical and Construction to the tune of N$681,365.83.

The work done includes construction of a medium-voltage line, installation of a transformer and construction of an aerial bundle conductor line (ABC line)