Govt lights up Gam settlement
GAM - More than 400 households in the Tsumkwe constituency at Gam were on Wednesday officially connected to the government-built solar panel system at the settlement.
Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo, who officiated at the event, said the electricity connection to the houses was funded by government through his ministry at a cost of over N$36 million as phase two of the programme.
The Gam settlement solar plant was constructed nearly 10 years ago.
Alweendo explained that the
solar plant at Gam is the largest government-sponsored solar panel system in the country so far and it is placed under the care and maintenance of the Central North Regional Electricity Distributor (Cenored).
“From today your houses will have electricity to allow you to venture into income-generating businesses and also allow our school-going children at this settlement to study at night while at home,” he said.
The minister stated that 415 households are benefiting from the project during this phase two electricity supply programme which started in May 2020.
The electrification only benefits the households in and around the settlement, not the rural villages of Gam, said Alweendo.
The minister, who was accompanied by Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua, deputy minister of marginalised communities, Royal //Ui/o/oo and the newly-appointed CEO of Cenored, Robert Kahimise and Cenored board of directors at the event, said a lot still has to be done to cover all community members in the area.
Gam traditional leader, Justice Uapimbi on behalf of the local people applauded government for looking after its citizens, even during the difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We thank you for this electricity connection.
We needed it the most for our domestic use and also for the safety of our children and women when they are moving around the settlement at night,” said Uapimbi.
The settlement with both primary and secondar y schools, a police station, clinic with mortuary, registered kindergartens, Government accommodation quarters for teachers and police officers falls under the Otjozondjupa Regional Council. -