Gibeon: Fifteen vulnerable households in Gibeon's Sunrise informal settlement have officially been connected to electricity following the handover of a Debmarine Namibia funded electrification project valued at more than N.dollars 220 000. The project, spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President and facilitated by the Gibeon Village Council, also included the installation of aerial bundled cable (ABC) lines and street lighting to pave the way for future household electrification in the settlement.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Vice President Lucia Witbooi, speaking at the handover ceremony, described the occasion as a defining milestone for the historic village, saying access to electricity would improve safety, restore dignity, and create opportunities for socio-economic development. She emphasized that access to electricity is a fundamental human right and a powerful engine for development, highlighting its potential to enable children to study safely after dark, allow families to preserve food, and create opportunities for home-based businesses.
Witbooi commended Debmarine Namibia for funding the project, stating that the company responded positively when approached for assistance. She praised the initiative as a successful example of public-private partnership in advancing socio-economic development.
Debmarine Namibia Chief Executive Officer Willy Mertens shared that the company had initially been approached to electrify six or seven homes but expanded the scope after assessing the community's needs. The decision was made to electrify 15 homes and build infrastructure that would support many more in the future. Mertens noted that the project extends beyond the current beneficiaries, laying the foundation for broader electrification across the Sunrise informal settlement.
Despite challenges facing the global natural diamond industry, Debmarine Namibia remains committed to investing in communities and improving the lives of Namibians. Mertens highlighted that better lighting would enhance safety for residents, particularly women and children, creating an environment where children can walk, study, and play after dark. He also reflected on his own upbringing without electricity, which inspired the company to make a meaningful difference in communities facing similar challenges.
The handover was attended by Minister of Mines and Energy Modestus Amutse, alongside local and regional leaders.