Windhoek: Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona announced that the municipality is expanding energy access across its informal settlements, detailing significant milestones achieved under its ongoing Informal Settlement Electrification Programme.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the mayor on Thursday during the council meeting stated that the municipality is rolling out a N$33.5 million electrification project to supply power to over 1,300 households across five informal settlements. "Another significant milestone is our continued commitment to the electrification of informal settlements across the City of Windhoek. Access to electricity is far more than a basic service. It is a catalyst for social and economic development, empowering communities through improved public safety, enhanced educational opportunities, increased economic participation, and a better quality of life for residents," he remarked.
Uunona stated that in April 2026, the City appointed 12 electrical contractors to execute 12 electrification projects across Okuryangava, Goreangab, Otjomuise, Mix Settlement, and Morning Star, with an implementation period of seven months. He confirmed that the projects are progressing well on most sites, with excavation, pole erection, conductor installation, and ready-board installations already underway.
"Several projects have reached various levels of completion, while the Mix Settlement project has already completed connections and ready-board installations for the first households. Once completed, these projects will significantly expand access to electricity in some of the city's most vulnerable communities," he remarked.
Uunona reported that since its inception in 2018, the Informal Settlement Electrification Programme has connected 8,045 households in underserved communities to the electricity grid. Funded mainly by national government grants, the programme represents a total investment of N$157.5 million to improve living conditions in informal areas of the capital.
Beyond electrification, Uunona stated that the City has allocated N$13.85 million for the installation of 37 high-mast lights across informal settlements, transport corridors, and busy pedestrian areas since 2018. Continuing this progress, the municipality initiated an N$12 million Streetlight Survey Project on 15 July 2026. This 28-month initiative will inspect, digitally map, and log over 17,000 streetlight poles into a new asset management system, creating 34 fixed-term jobs, with 30 recruits already employed.
Uunona said these investments demonstrate the municipality's commitment to collaborating with the national government to ensure reliable lighting and electricity throughout Windhoek.