ErongoRED lights up Karibib
Karibib marked a significant milestone as 151 homes in the Harambee location were electrified for the first time last Thursday. The development brings hope and progress to the informal settlements, according to mayor Davey van Wyk. "Providing electricity is not just about supplying power; it’s about uplifting our community," he said.
Van Wyk emphasised the difficult living conditions many families face due to a lack of formal housing and basic services. He highlighted the critical concerns within the community, which were brought to light by a tragic incident involving six-year-old Adrian Myne Oswyn.
Oswyn disappeared from the settlement in October 2022, and his decapitated body was found days later.
"This tragedy has underscored the severe safety issues that arise from insufficient infrastructure," he noted. "The darkness in our informal settlements creates hazards and underscores the urgent need for improved services to ensure the security and well-being of all residents, especially vulnerable children."
The mayor extended gratitude to the mines and energy ministry, ErongoRED and contractor Faradays Electrical and Mechanical for their swift response. "Their commitment to addressing the electrification needs of our community is a beacon of hope during these challenging times," he added. "By enhancing our electrical infrastructure, we are taking a crucial step toward improving safety and preventing future tragedies."
Millions invested
ErongoRED CEO Immanuel Hanabeb shared that the company has invested over N$500 million in bulk upgrades, substations and electrical infrastructure across the region. "We are currently working on the Sekelduin upgrade in Swakopmund. Additionally, ErongoRED is involved in peri-urban and rural electrification projects under the ‘Power to the People’ initiative," he explained.
Aside from the power distributor’s collaboration with the ministry last week, ErongoRED is also involved in similar projects where 451 houses will be electrified at a cost of N$22 million.
The Harambee project, which kicked off on 11 January, saw the contractor complete the electrification by 19 June. The project also provided temporary jobs to residents and ensured the installation of sufficient streetlights for the community.
ErongoRED engineer Sam Markus oversaw the installation and design of the electrification plans, procurement of materials and overall project management. A total grant funding of N$4.5 million from the ministry enabled the electrification of 151 dwellings, with a saving of N$829 000 now available for additional connections, the company said.
Van Wyk emphasised the difficult living conditions many families face due to a lack of formal housing and basic services. He highlighted the critical concerns within the community, which were brought to light by a tragic incident involving six-year-old Adrian Myne Oswyn.
Oswyn disappeared from the settlement in October 2022, and his decapitated body was found days later.
"This tragedy has underscored the severe safety issues that arise from insufficient infrastructure," he noted. "The darkness in our informal settlements creates hazards and underscores the urgent need for improved services to ensure the security and well-being of all residents, especially vulnerable children."
The mayor extended gratitude to the mines and energy ministry, ErongoRED and contractor Faradays Electrical and Mechanical for their swift response. "Their commitment to addressing the electrification needs of our community is a beacon of hope during these challenging times," he added. "By enhancing our electrical infrastructure, we are taking a crucial step toward improving safety and preventing future tragedies."
Millions invested
ErongoRED CEO Immanuel Hanabeb shared that the company has invested over N$500 million in bulk upgrades, substations and electrical infrastructure across the region. "We are currently working on the Sekelduin upgrade in Swakopmund. Additionally, ErongoRED is involved in peri-urban and rural electrification projects under the ‘Power to the People’ initiative," he explained.
Aside from the power distributor’s collaboration with the ministry last week, ErongoRED is also involved in similar projects where 451 houses will be electrified at a cost of N$22 million.
The Harambee project, which kicked off on 11 January, saw the contractor complete the electrification by 19 June. The project also provided temporary jobs to residents and ensured the installation of sufficient streetlights for the community.
ErongoRED engineer Sam Markus oversaw the installation and design of the electrification plans, procurement of materials and overall project management. A total grant funding of N$4.5 million from the ministry enabled the electrification of 151 dwellings, with a saving of N$829 000 now available for additional connections, the company said.
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