CHAMWE KAIRA
Most of Namibia’s regional electricity distribution infrastructure has been classified as poor, with the //Kharas, Hardap and Omaheke regions identified as facing a high risk of continued non-compliance.
The findings are contained in an audit of electricity infrastructure conducted during the 2024/2025 financial year, covering transmission, distribution and supply networks across Namibia’s regions.
The audit called ‘National Electricity Infrastructure Report’ was released by the Electricity Control Board (ECB) on Monday.
According to the assessment, Khomas and Otjozondjupa were the only regions whose distribution infrastructure was classified as satisfactory. Both were placed in the low-risk category for continued non-compliance.
The infrastructure in //Kharas and Hardap was rated poor with a high risk of continued non-compliance, while Omaheke was also classified as poor and high risk.
Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto were all rated poor, but with a low risk of continued non-compliance.
The report said frequent power interruptions previously experienced in Tsumeb have been resolved, following the completion of corrective maintenance and network improvement works.
The audit assessed key electricity licensees, including NamPower, Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs), municipalities, town and village councils, regional councils, farmer schemes and mines.
Eight of the 13 farmer schemes, representing more than 60%, had electricity networks classified as poor. The schemes were characterised by a high number of medium- and high-risk non-compliance findings, resulting in a high risk of sustained non-compliance.
The audit found that limited operational oversight and differing practices among the schemes were contributing to increasing regulatory challenges. At national level, the report classified the overall status of Namibia’s electricity infrastructure as satisfactory.
NamPower’s transmission network was found to be in a satisfactory condition, with adequate capacity to manage network operations and maintenance. The utility was consequently placed in the low-risk category for sustained non-compliance.
However, the report found a significant difference in the performance of distribution networks depending on the institutional structure responsible for their operation.
Regions where electricity businesses are managed by REDs generally performed better than areas without REDs, with Khomas being the exception among regions without a RED.
Among the poorly performing regions, //Kharas was identified as the worst performer, followed by Hardap and Omaheke.
The report also found that mine electricity networks were generally well maintained, with Namdeb identified as an exception. Its network was described as old, dilapidated and inadequately maintained.
Electricity Control Board (ECB) was advised to intensify interventions where non-compliance problems persist.
The report recommends that the ECB formally notify local and regional authority councillors and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development (MURD) about recurring non-compliance issues to facilitate remedial action.
It also recommends intensified audits of ageing infrastructure operated by local and regional authorities, particularly assets identified through the Namibian Electrical Distribution Network Asset (NEDNA) Register.
The report further recommends intensified engagement with NORED to introduce timely maintenance practices, citing numerous non-compliance issues on its network.
For regions without REDs, the report recommends continued efforts to operationalise the Southern RED and Central RED as a long-term solution to challenges affecting electricity distribution.
MURD was urged to encourage local authorities that have not joined the proposed Southern RED and Central RED to become part of the companies.
