Global Courant
The African Development Bank’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $485,000 grant for a solar energy project in Namibia that will power about 50,000 households in the capital.
The Informal Settlement Renewable Electrification and Upgrading Program will directly benefit approximately 200,000 people in Windhoek, where approximately 20% of the population has no electricity.
The Urban and Municipal Development Fund helps governments invest in sustainable urban development for more climate-resilient, resilient, liveable and productive cities, supporting national socio-economic development and poverty reduction.
In Windhoek, a consequence of rapid and uncontrolled urbanization is the proliferation of informal settlements, characterized by non-electrified neighborhoods and underdeveloped economic activity, which seriously hamper the quality of life of residents.
The Windhoek City Council asked the Fund for support to improve services in the informal neighbourhoods, a top priority in the metropolis’ Strategic Plan. Installing electricity in informal settlements is considered a crucial investment to unlock the economic potential of these areas and substantially improve the living conditions of the inhabitants.
The project is expected to start this year with the preparation of feasibility and tender documents covering the three main components:
The installation of 60 MW solar PV and related batteries The development of an overall structural plan for the rehabilitation of the informal settlements, with a participatory process to identify and prioritize investment opportunities unlocked by electrification, e.g. water, roads and mobility, green areas, market opportunities. Institutional support to the Windhoek City Council. This includes reviewing existing rules and regulations and legal support to accelerate green plans and electrification targets
The impact is expected to be huge: the availability of electricity services will not only support the development of household activities, but also small and medium-sized businesses, as can be seen in neighboring already electrified communities, resulting in job creation and substantial socio-economic benefits. impact. Solar energy will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fuelwood and kerosene, reduce deforestation and improve air quality.
“The project is strongly aligned with the top five priorities of the African Development Bank, namely to enlighten and empower Africa, improve people’s quality of life and industrialize the continent,” said Mike Salawou, Director of the Department Infrastructure and Urban Development Department.
With this new project, UMDF extends its support to South African countries and diversifies the range of supported sectors. Electrification will now be included in its portfolio of more than 20 urban development projects.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Amba Mpoke Bigg
Department of Communications and External Relations
E-mail: (email protected)
Technical contact:
Victoria Flattau
Senior urban planning officer
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It consists of three different entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member countries. For more information: www.AfDB.org
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