The government has allocated N$12 million to electrify 969 peri-urban households in the Hardap and ǁKharas regions under a service level agreement between the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy and the Southern Electricity Distributor (SORED).
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony in Mariental, Industries, Mines and Energy Minister Modestus Amutse said the project will benefit communities in Rehoboth, Mariental, Aranos, Hoachanas and Gibeon, as well as Aroab, Bethanie, Berseba, Aus, Grünau and Warmbad.
Amutse said the programme builds on electrification work already carried out in both regions and represents a further expansion of ongoing efforts. He added that faster progress would depend on closer collaboration and improved coordination among stakeholders.
“Contractors for Mariental and Rehoboth have been appointed, and today’s site handover marks the start of construction. Work in Aroab has already commenced, and procurement processes for the remaining towns have been concluded, with implementation to follow shortly,” he said.
He noted that the Rehoboth Town Council has contributed an additional N$2.5 million, while the Mariental Municipality has committed N$1.5 million towards the initiative.
According to Amutse, the electricity grid will be extended where feasible, while solar systems will be used in areas where they are quicker or more practical, including locations that require a hybrid approach. He said these decisions are largely cost-driven, noting that rural electrification can cost between N$80,000 and N$300,000 per household, depending on distance, terrain and settlement patterns. By contrast, peri-urban connections typically cost between N$30,000 and N$50,000 per household, allowing more homes to be connected in a shorter time.
The ministry operates a Solar Revolving Fund to assist households with financing solar installations and is working with partners through initiatives such as Mission 300, which combines grid expansion with regulated solar solutions.
“That is why government is actively encouraging households and communities to embrace solar solutions, especially where grid connections are technically difficult or financially prohibitive,” Amutse said.
He added that SORED is ready to roll out the projects and urged contractors and technical teams to deliver quality infrastructure on time and in line with safety standards.
Looking ahead, Amutse said the electrification allocation is expected to rise to at least N$20 million, with scope for further increases as partnerships with stakeholders and funding partners are strengthened.
