Africa-Press – Namibia. KARIBIB – Navachab Gold Mine, Erongo Red and the Karibib town council have partnered to electrify 257 homes in the Usab settlement at Karibib and bring services closer to the people.
Residents of the settlement have been without electricity for a while, making life harder in the settlement.
Speaking at the handover, Navachab mine CEO George Botshiwe said the project is proof that partnerships between the public and private sector can deliver tangible results. “Mining is not just about extracting resources. It is a critical enabler to empower communities. As we help bring electricity to 257 homes in Usab, we are not just lighting houses, we are empowering families, unlocking economic opportunities, and paving the way for a better future,” he said. Botshiwe added that the project supports Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said Navachab will further provide funds for the next phase of the electrification project.
“We at Navachab reaffirm our commitment to work with government and local councils. No one must be left behind. The construction of the world-class medical centre in Karibib will also start in November. One of the conditions of that tender is the employment of residents, especially the youth,” he appealed.
Karibib mayor Davy van Wyk said the initiative is more than the provision of electricity.
“The Usab Informal Settlement Upgrading Project is about restoring dignity, creating hope and laying the foundation for a better quality of life. “Phase 1 laid the groundwork, and with Phase 2, we are taking another bold step towards transforming Usab into a sustainable and empowered community,” he said.
Van Wyk then called on the beneficiaries to take ownership and responsibility to maintain the infrastructure and work hand-in-hand with council to preserve the value of this investment for generations to come.
Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangwe Ithete, who also attended the electrification, commended Navachab and partners for their contribution towards the community
“As a ministry, we continue to partner with local authorities and electricity distributors to connect homes, towns, and villages working steadily toward universal access to electricity by 2040. The contribution of Navachab Mine toward the electrification project is highly commendable. I, therefore, call upon all other companies to emulate this practice by investing in long-lasting infrastructure projects,” he said.
He added that another 187 houses in Usab, also in Karibib, is expected to be connected early next year.
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