Maria David
THE Oshakati Premier Electric (OPE) has completed several major projects as part of its ongoing efforts in urban and peri-urban development.
This was revealed by OPE Chief Executive Officer Nelson Sheya during the stakeholder engagement held at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair on Monday.
Sheya highlighted key achievements, which include significant advancements in electrification, street lighting, and infrastructure.
He indicated that in rural townlands, OPE completed the electrification of 93 homesteads in Oshandumbola in 2020.
“For peri-urban areas, the company has completed electrification for a total of 2,640 erven across various extensions,” he said.
He added that in Uupindi North and South, 660 erven were electrified in 2004, and Evululuko Ext. 10, 11, and 12 with 320 erven in 2006.
Sheya said that at Okandjengedi Golf, a total of 297 erven were electrified in 2014, Okandjengedi South (395 erven) in 2011, Ompumbu (120 erven) in 2015, Onawa (183 erven) in 2014, and Evululuko Ext. 13 (267 erven) in 2019.
“We have also made significant upgrades to our infrastructure. The company’s capacity was upgraded from 10MVA to 14MVA in 2004, and a Power Factor Correction of 4.8MVAR was installed in 2011,” he said.
He added that in addition to electrification, OPE has installed 54 off 25m-high masts in peri-urban areas and has begun retrofitting streetlights with LED lights on the main road and various minor roads.
Sheya said the company also installed traffic lights at 14 intersections.
Looking ahead, Sheya said that OPE is currently working on new electrification projects planned for 2025/2026. These include the Urban Commercial Othingo Village, which will see the electrification of 25 commercial erven, and Evululuko Extension 14, which will cover 420 erven. Contractors are already on-site for both projects.
The company has also completed its Strategic Plan for 2019-2023 and has assisted 12 bursary students in electrical engineering since 2000.
