Groundbreaking Electrification Project Ceremony for the Onawa EXT 7 and 8

On Friday, July 7th, OPE held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Second Rural Electrification Project for Oshakati, in accordance with the strategic plan of ensuring total electrification in the areas in which we operate and the connection of every household, business, and institution to the Grid.

The electrification of the Onawa Extensions 7 and 8 will cost N$11 million. This will be followed by service connections for about 770 residents at a cost of an additional N$ 10 million, bringing the total development cost to N$ 21 million in order to provide not only access to power but also free service connection to the people. This is another significant step toward accelerating economic growth.

The rural electrification project will last five years and cost N$22,000,000.00. It will serve up to five identified villages (rural areas) surrounding Oshakati: Onendongo Village, Othingo Village, Onawa Village, Emono Village, and Oshandumbala Village. Oshandumbala is the first Rural Electrification region to be electrified, at a cost of 3.9 million, providing power to 90 homesteads.

The Inauguration was attended by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Erastus Uutoni, as well as the Governor of Oshana Region, Local and Regional Councillors, the Electricity Supply Industry, the business community, and dignitaries from Oshana and other regions.

Mr. Nelson Sheya, CEO of OPE, stated that the communities that would benefit from this initiative must be aware of the OPE safety campaign programs in order to be fully informed on electricity safety. Stating that the electrical infrastructure belongs to the community, they should protect it so that it can last and serve for a long time, allowing the Council of Oshakati to continue with this social investment and responsibilities to the remaining areas that have yet to benefit.