Minister Sankwasa Urges Sored Namibia Operationalization in //Kharas, Hardap

• Minister James Sankwasa urged stakeholders in //Kharas and Hardap regions to quickly operationalize the Southern Regional Electricity Distributor (Sored).
• Sored aims to consolidate electricity distribution, improve service delivery, and allow local authorities to focus on core mandates.
• The establishment of regional electricity distributors was mandated by a 2002 Cabinet decision, with Sored registered in 2007.
• Delays in Sored's launch were attributed to a lack of information, understanding, and consensus among stakeholders.
• Sankwasa emphasized Sored as a collective creation by local authorities, not an external takeover, for strengthening electricity distribution.

He stressed that the moment has arrived to transform the long-standing vision of Sored into a fully operational, accountable, and sustainable institution.

Minister James Sankwasa recently urged key stakeholders in Namibia's //Kharas and Hardap regions to expedite discussions and actions for the establishment and operationalization of the Southern Regional Electricity Distributor (Sored). This directive was issued during a crucial stakeholder meeting that brought together representatives from both regions, who are identified as the primary beneficiaries and end-users of the forthcoming electricity supply project. The Minister underscored that the activation of Sored is more than a mere administrative task; it represents a fundamental component of a broader governmental strategy designed to enhance the provision of essential services to the populace and reinforce the institutions responsible for their delivery.

Sankwasa articulated that the core objective behind creating Sored is to empower local authorities to concentrate on their primary developmental responsibilities. Simultaneously, it ensures that electricity distribution is managed by an entity possessing the requisite specialized technical, financial, and operational capabilities essential for the energy sector. He expressed concern regarding the prolonged delay in implementing a 2002 Cabinet decision that mandated the creation of regional electricity distribution entities, noting that //Kharas and Hardap remain significantly behind other regions where such bodies, like Nored, Cenored, and Erongored, are already fully functional.

The concept of the Regional Electricity Distributor (RED) model was initially conceived to address the fragmented nature of electricity distribution across Namibia. Its design aimed to bolster technical and financial capacities, improve overall efficiency, and ultimately guarantee superior service delivery to communities. Minister Sankwasa highlighted that this strategic framework led to the registration of the Southern Regional Electricity Distributor in 2007, with the explicit intention of consolidating electricity distribution services specifically within the Hardap and //Kharas regions.

Despite its registration over a decade ago, the project has faced considerable delays. Sankwasa informed the attendees, including regional governors, political councillors, and administrative heads of local authorities, that after extensive periods of development, consultation, and institutional groundwork, all involved parties have now reached a critical juncture requiring decisive movement towards full implementation. He stressed that the moment has arrived to transform the long-standing vision of Sored into a fully operational, accountable, and sustainable institution.

Addressing the stakeholders, Minister Sankwasa clarified that Sored should not be perceived as an external organization usurping the responsibilities of local authorities. Instead, he framed it as an institution collectively established by these very authorities to strengthen the electricity distribution network. He urged them to move beyond individual institutional interests and embrace a unified approach. This perspective was echoed by //Kharas Regional Governor Dawid Gertze, who attributed the past delays in launching Sored to a lack of comprehensive information, understanding, and consensus among the relevant parties.

Governor Gertze emphasized the urgent need for all stakeholders to achieve a common understanding of the benefits that such an establishment will bring to the residents of both regions. He called for a unified voice during deliberations to ensure that entitled services are delivered effectively. Hardap Regional Governor Riaan McNab also contributed to the discussion, expressing his confidence that the meeting would foster a shared understanding and determination, signaling an end to previous business-as-usual approaches and paving the way for Sored's successful operationalization.

Lawyers advising local authorities, energy companies, or large electricity consumers in Namibia's //Kharas and Hardap regions should monitor the swift operationalization of Sored for potential changes in electricity distribution contracts, tariffs, and regulatory compliance requirements, stemming from the long-standing 2002 Cabinet decision.

Source: Original reporting via New Era Live