Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The government has pledged to electrify every household in Kavango West within 14 years.
This means by 2039 houses in the region would be connected to the grid.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy Natangue Ithete made the commitment on Thursday at Nkurenkuru during the commissioning of joint electrification projects in the region.
In April, the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy announced plans to electrify more than 400,000 homes by 2040.
For the 2025/26 financial year, the government allocated N$281 million to this goal, with N$251 million from the national treasury and N$30 million from the National Energy Fund.
“I am giving you my word that in 14 years’ time, all households will have electricity. This is our vision, and we will not stop until it is achieved,” he said.
This week’s inauguration connected 195 households in Nkurenkuru, while 80 households in Sikondo village also benefited.
He said the government is working to move the area from the darkness of underdevelopment to the light of opportunity.
“This region has challenges that reach many families, with little opportunity for industries or jobs. The absence of proper infrastructure such as roads, clean water, and above all, electricity has made daily life difficult. These are some of the darknesses the government is addressing. I hope that the electricity that was switched on is the beginning of progress and a symbol of a new beginning for Nkurenkuru and the whole region,” he said.
Ithete said electricity will power schools, clinics, homes, and small businesses.
“It is the light that will help our children learn, the power that will help our clinics save lives, and the energy that will drive small businesses and industries. It is the step forward that Kavango West has been waiting for. Electricity is here; now it is up to us to use it wisely, to educate, to innovate, to build industries, and to protect our environment,” he said.
He described electricity as a gift that connects people with opportunities and helps communities grow but also warned about its dangers.
“Careless handling of electrical wires, overloading plugs, or leaving appliances unattended can lead to serious injuries, fires, or even loss of life. Use electricity with caution to save lives, report copper wire theft, and pay your bills on time,” he urged.
Ithete called on residents to play their part in transforming Kavango West.
“Together, we can transform Kavango West from a region of potential into a region of prosperity by each of us playing our roles and bringing in our contributions. We look forward to coming back to electrifying those not included in this round soon,” he said.