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June 2026
The Namibian
Erongo Regional Electricity Distributorhas investednearly N$800 million in electricity infrastructure over past decade
Source
“The Erongo regional electricity distributor has invested nearly N$800 million in electricity infrastructure over the past decade as it expands network capacity and prepares to develop a 20MW solar power plant.”
Erongo Regional Electricity Distributoris advancing20MW solar generation project valued at approximately N$470 million
Source
“Erongored is also advancing a 20MW solar generation project valued at approximately N$470 million, which is expected to increase local electricity generation, reduce dependence on imported power and strengthen energy security in one of Namibia's key economic regions.”
“Built at a cost of N$394 million, Sekelduin Substation will now become the main transmission supply point to the existing NamPower Swakopmund and Tamarisk substations, the NamWater South bulk water supply scheme feeding the new Husab Uranium Mine, and the ErongoRED 33kV medium-voltage reticulation network.”
Erongo Regional Electricity Distributoris working with NamPower on upgrades in high-demand areassuch as Karibib and Uis
Source
“"We are also working with NamPower on upgrades in high-demand areas such as Karibib and Uis to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with rising consumption and developments," he said.”
Namibians report that expenses are rising faster than wages, forcing many to rely on side hustles and cash loans to survive. The squeeze is intensifying as electricity and municipal tariffs increase while workers' salaries remain stagnant.
Namibians report that expenses are rising faster than wages, forcing many to rely on side hustles and cash loans to survive. The squeeze is intensifying as electricity and municipal tariffs increase while workers' salaries remain stagnant.
The Erongo regional electricity distributor has invested nearly N$800 million in electricity infrastructure over the past decade and allocated a further N$152 million for network expansion in the 2025/26 financial year. The utility is also advancing a 20MW solar generation project valued at approximately N$470 million to increase local electricity generation and reduce reliance on imported power.
The Namibian Power Corporation inaugurated the Sekelduin Substation near Swakopmund, described as the first fully digital substation on the African continent, at a cost of N$394 million. The facility will serve as the main transmission supply point for the Erongo Region and support growing energy demand from economic development, industrial expansion, and population growth.
The Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor has launched a safety campaign urging customers to use electricity safely by avoiding overloaded plugs, exposed cables, and faulty wiring, and to report hazards immediately. The campaign aims to prevent accidents, injuries, and fires in homes and communities.
Radial Truss Industries, dismissed from the N$77 million Oe !Gab Primary School project at Tubusis village in February, disputes poor workmanship accusations and says the project was 90% complete at dismissal. The contractor blames subcontractor withdrawals linked to rising costs from Covid-19, the Ukraine war, and procurement delays for project delays, while the Ministry of Education cited poor workmanship as grounds for dismissal.
Electricity distributor ErongoRED says it has expanded electrification access across the Erongo region, with a combined urban and rural rate now at about 79%, reflecting steady infrastructure rollouts and projects underway in areas including Harambe, DRC, Karibib and Usakos. The utility is working to align with national development priorities under Vision 2030 while facing challenges including copper theft, which costs about N$5 million annually.
Rapid population growth and proliferation of informal backyard housing in Walvis Bay have driven electricity consumption to record levels, with the suburb of Kuisebmond alone consuming 54% of Swakopmund's total power use. The municipality faces increasing pressure to provide affordable housing and land, with approximately 23 000 backyard shacks housing 42 000 people and thousands more on waiting lists.
A controlled landfill in Walvis Bay has transformed into an informal settlement housing over 100 shacks and more than 300 people, with residents reporting illegal tyre burning, undercover prostitution, domestic violence, and drug activity. The situation raises serious environmental and health concerns for surrounding communities, prompting authorities to engage stakeholders on de-proclaiming the portion within Dorob National Park to enable better municipal management.
Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor's executive manager Claude Tjizo has died. Tjizo served the company for over 20 years in several senior roles including general manager for network support services and executive manager for network operations and maintenance before leading the supply business unit from 2018 until his death.
Namibia's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has recommended stronger policies, funding, and inter-ministerial collaboration to unlock the country's resource potential and align sector strategies with national development priorities including Vision 2030. The mining sector contributed 13.3% to GDP in 2024, while the government received N$7.32 billion in mining revenue, but challenges persist in land reform, energy, and conservation funding.
Swakopmund Municipality plans to donate 165 single residential erven to residents of the Democratic Resettlement Community as part of a decongestion and land regularisation process. Beneficiaries, some of whom have lived in DRC for more than 28 years, will pay only a N$1,000 transfer fee instead of market value.