Residents of Farm 37 Portion 10 now have access to public lighting following the completion of a project to install 113 off-grid solar-powered streetlights recently.
Farm 37 was identified in 2016 by the former council and the late Erongo governor Cleophas Mutjavikua as the solution to the housing shortage the town is facing.
Currently, over 200 families are residing in the township situated about 7kilometres east of Walvis Bay. A spokesperson for the municipality, Anita Kahiva, said yesterday that the project, valued over N$ 6.1 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Walvis Bay as an interim lighting solution for areas where residents are currently residing.
The off-grid solar-powered streetlights provide an immediate and sustainable lighting solution without the need for connection to the conventional electricity grid. The installed streetlights can be converted to operate from the conventional electricity supply once permanent electricity infrastructure becomes available in the area.
“This means the current investment in street lighting can continue to serve the community as the broader electricity infrastructure is developed,” she explained.
She says the streetlights will also be rolled out to the other extensions of the township.
According to Kaihiva, the municipality is also advancing other critical infrastructure in Farm 37.
Shey says a N$24 million pump station is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in early 2027.
This is also part of the ongoing infrastructure supporting the continued development of the area.
“These infrastructure projects form part of the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to respond to the needs of residents in Farm 37 and to support the area’s long-term development,” she said.
Adding that the municipality remains committed to improving infrastructure and services in Farm 37.
“While the solar-powered streetlights address the immediate need for public lighting, the Municipality continues to work towards extending lighting to the remaining portions of Farm 37, as well as Farm 37 Extensions 1 and 2. The completion of the streetlight project, together with the ongoing construction of the pump station, reflects the municipality’s continued investment in infrastructure that responds to immediate community needs while laying the foundation for the sustainable development of Farm 37,” she said.
-edeklerk@nepc.com.na
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