By Ndalimpinga Iita

WINDHOEK, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The electrification of informal settlements in Namibia's capital, Windhoek, has eased socio-economic conditions for the once thwarted dwellers.

Over the years, the business has been an uphill battle for fresh produce trader Eli Kashikola, a resident of Havana informal settlement in Windhoek. At a structure made out of corrugated iron, he sold fresh fish, meat, vegetables, and fruits to customers. However, the lack of reliable power supply was a major stumbling block.

"I would get my stock, and the generator would break. When I attempt to resort to an illegal electricity connection, most times, it failed. This thwarted me as the products required constant cooling. As such, my stock rots or I was forced to sell it at a low price, at a loss," said Kashikola on Friday.

His proceeds declined.

As luck would have it for the businessman, the Windhoek municipality electrified the informal settlement early November this year.

Today, at his business place in Havana, Kashikola is a happy man. For the first time in many years, he did not have to worry about power cuts from illegal electricity connections, nor his stock getting spoiled.

"Back then, I endured major losses as a result of unstable power supply. Nevertheless, the Municipality electrified the area, and business is going well," Kashikola said.

In a move to provide essential services to residents, the City of Windhoek early November commissioned the electrification of 1,200 houses in Windhoek's informal settlements.

The aim, said Muzee Kazapua, Mayor of the City of Windhoek, is to provide residents with adequate and reliable services, to ensure a decent livelihood and to enable them to pursue and advance economic activities.

The City of Windhoek invested 13 million Namibian dollars (about 0.9 million U.S. dollars), received from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, in the electrification of 1,200 houses in Havana as well as Okahandja Park areas.

Meanwhile, following the provision of electricity, Kashikola is exploring ways to expand his fresh produce business in Havana.

"Now that we have a consistent electricity supply, I can expand business in the following months, and also employ others something I would not have been able to do without reliable power supply," he said.

Kashikola is not the only one reaping the benefits. The electrification of informal settlement is also set to address other socio-economic problems in the area.

Hika Johannes, relied on candles to light up the home in Havana. However, candles were unsafe, and the minimal light strained the children's eyes when studying. The candles also nearly caused a fire at the shack.

Today, inside the dwelling in Havana, Johannes switches on electric lights.

"It is like a dream come true to be connected to the power grid. Moreover, I can do more, and I also do not fear for our home burning down because of candles anymore," Johannes said Friday.

Peya Mushelenga, Minister of Urban and Rural Development, said that the extension of energy infrastructure to these areas eliminates the danger of fire caused by candle lights, a type of misfortune that has left many families in destitute.

Meanwhile, residents said that the electrical connection would further be used for information technology equipment.

"I will be able to buy a computer and install a cash flow management system to develop an efficient system to grow the business. I could not do it before and thus will maximize on this chance," Kashikola added.

In the meantime, the Namibian government, through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, has secured a budget allocation for construction of basic municipal services by local authorities and regional councils during the 2019/2020 financial year, totaling about 567.6 million Namibian dollars. Enditem

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