By: Annakleta Haikera
Government-operated green scheme projects in the Kavango regions are currently struggling with electricity expenses, threatening production and food security.
This was revealed by various farm managers during a courtesy visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources this week.
The Sikondo, Uvhungu-Vhungu, Ndonga Linena, and Shadikongoro green schemes are all struggling with high electricity costs and unreliable supply.
The situation is also expected to worsen as the electricity distributor for the northern region, NORED, has also received a greenlight from the regulator to increase electricity costs by 4% as of this year. This follows the 1.7% increase in bulk electricity costs by Nampower, the country’s main electricity supplier.
Floris Smith, farm manager at Uvhungu-Vhungu, said electricity costs often limit production and efficiency. To manage expenses, the project irrigates crops only at night or over weekends, when power is cheaper.
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