Hoachanas households set for free electricity
A total of 30 households in Hoachanas are set to receive free electricity connections in 2026, as part of government efforts to improve living conditions in the settlement.
"A total of 30 households in Hoachanas will receive free electricity connections during 2026, benefiting residents who have built homes but are not yet connected to the electricity grid," said Kenneth Rheent of the Hoachanas Children Fund.
Rheent shared the update following a consultative community meeting held on Tuesday at Hoachanas Community Hall, hosted by Mariental Rural constituency councillor and Hardap Regional Council chairperson Simon Kooper.
The meeting was attended by the deputy minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Edward Wambo, alongside officials from the ministry and the Hardap Regional Council.
While electrification formed part of broader development plans, the primary focus of the engagement was civil registration, with residents urged to regularise their documentation.
"Many Namibians remain undocumented, limiting their access to essential services and opportunities," Rheent said.
He added that community members were strongly encouraged to ensure that all children are registered at birth, obtain birth certificates promptly, and apply for full birth certificates and national identity documents without delay.
To improve access to services, Rheent noted that residents requiring identity cards, full birth certificates and other national documents are encouraged to register their needs at the settlement office, which will enable the ministry of home affairs to conduct monthly outreach visits to Hoachanas.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently, with Rheent stating that interlocking paving will be installed from the police station to the settlement, including the construction of speed humps to reduce dust pollution, improve public health and enhance road safety, particularly for school children.
On road upgrades, he said the Hoachanas–Kalkrand road has been identified as priority number three on the regional development agenda and is expected to be tarred within the next five years, while a road linking Hoachanas to the Intu Afrika route is planned for upgrading within the next decade.
Water security remains a key concern, with Rheent saying the Hardap Regional Council has already begun connecting two boreholes to the main water reservoir, with significant progress being made in addressing Hoachanas' water challenges.
Youth were also encouraged to take an active role in development. "Young people were urged to organise themselves into groups, ensure their documentation is in order and position themselves to benefit from future opportunities," Rheent said.
He added that the community engagement meeting was highly informative, productive and inspiring, demonstrating the government's commitment to improving the quality of life in Hoachanas through service delivery, infrastructure development and youth empowerment.
According to Rheent, Kooper has committed to accelerating development in the area, noting that the councillor has promised to bring key ministries and ministers to Hoachanas to fast-track development.
