Namibian Government intends to electrify about 400 schools in rural areas before April 2020, minister of mines and energy Obeth Kandjoze says. This year, up to 38 rural schools will be electrified countrywide, he revealed during a visit to the Okoutjove village in the Omaheke region’s Otjombinde constituency on Thursday.

Speaking during a community meeting, the minister said government has made more than N$60 million available for the rural electrification initiative for all 14 regions. "Education is our mandate, hence the need to identify schools with dire electricity needs.

"It is our mandate to ensure that schools have electricity,” said Kandjoze. The minister asked councillors to provide him with the names of schools in need of hostel facilities and fences, amongst others, saying his ministry will seek assistance from mining companies in this regard as part of their social development responsibilities.

He finally added that the mining and energy sectors should benefit all Namibians, regardless of ethnicity or geographic location.

Source:The Namibian