Swakop Municipality approves electrification budget for DRC Proper

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The Swakopmund Municipality has approved a budget allocation of N.dollars 2.5 million for the supply of electricity connections for the DRC Proper informal settlement project, which will be carried out in phases.

The DRC locality has 850 erven, with the majority of the houses consisting of informal dwellings and structures. These residents are also due to receive ownership certificates from the municipality.

The municipality’s public relations officer Linda Mupupa in a media statement said due to the financial implications for all parties, the beneficiaries will be given two options to make their contribution towards the electrical supply connection.

“The first option is for beneficiaries who can afford to fully pay the electrical supply connection contribution of N.dollars 2 500 once off, while the second option will see beneficiaries paying off the electrical supply connection contribution of N.dollars 2 500 in instalments,” Mupupa explained.

ErongoRED has also secured close to N.dollars 1.6 million as a contribution to service 200 beneficiaries in DRC Proper. This contribution will cover the electrical supply cable from the nearest kiosk up to two metres into the erf boundary with a prepaid meter ready box.

Late last year, 19 streetlights were also installed at the Wagdaar informal settlement at a total cost of N.dollars 1.9 million, she added.

Meanwhile, progress has been recorded in the renovation and completion of 319 houses under the mass housing project, with painting completed on 111 houses, although these are still awaiting water and electrical connections.

The project was taken over by New Era Construction Investment Company after it was abandoned more than seven years ago by Ferusa Capital Financing Partners.

According to Mupupa, 64 of these houses are prioritised to be completed within the next two months.

“Eighty-three houses are under construction at various stages up to roof level, whereas 125 houses are at different stages of foundations. Additionally, the construction for 79 houses under the Built Together Project commenced in January 2023, with 32 houses already completed. Sixteen erven towards the Shack Dwellers Federation have also been approved,” she noted.

(NAMPA)

Source: The Namibian Press Agency