Maria David
OSHAKATI Premier Electrical (OPE) is set to provide free electricity connections to 770 houses in Onawa Extensions 7 and 8.
The project is fully funded by the Oshakati Town Council and being implemented by OPE.
Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, highlighted that the free electricity connectivity in various areas of Oshakati has already benefited over 2,145 households in informal settlements.
ON THE GRID: Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Onawa Extension 7 and 8 electrification projects. – Photos: Maria David. 
ON THE GRID: Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Onawa Extension 7 and 8 electrification projects. – Photos: Maria David. 
ON THE GRID: Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Onawa Extension 7 and 8 electrification projects. – Photos: Maria David.
Uutoni said that the timely completion of this electrification project will bring joy to many residents of Oshakati living in these areas. He emphasized that the lack of electricity in parts of Extension 7 and 8 will soon be a thing of the past.
“The most significant impact will be on the lives of learners and students who have otherwise relied on poor lighting to study and do their schoolwork,” he said.
He added that a total of 1 200 households without connections were identified during the assessment.
Uutoni explained that the project is estimated to cost about N$11.5 million and will benefit 770 plots.
The connection cost of services, totalling nearly N$11 million, will be covered through the partnership.
Town Mayor Leonard Hango emphasized that the electrification project is not solely about installing power lines, but empowering the people.
Hango stressed that their goal is to unlock the true potential of the community, create opportunities for youth, foster entrepreneurship, and attract investments that will drive the local economy.
He urged the community to collaborate with officials to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Nelson Sheya, the Chief Executive Officer of OPE, said that the project will electrify 770 houses at a cost of nearly N$21 million. Of this amount, N$11 million is allocated for electrification, while N$10 million is earmarked for service connection.
To date, Sheya noted that they have already provided free electricity connections to 2,142 houses across the town.
