WINDHOEK, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's benchmark power project aimed at harnessing solar energy to diversify energy source to meet its energy demands has been delayed, said Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy Kornelia Shilunga on Thursday.
She made the remarks during a site visit at the solar power plant sites in Namibia's Erongo region, awarded to 14 independent contractors.
"Only about four of the ventures have been commissioned. However, some of the contractors are behind schedule. We are currently trying to establish the challenges they face to see how they could be addressed," said Shilunga.
Elto Katangolo of Sertum Technologies Energy Solutions, one of the contracted companies said that delays are attributed to lack of supply of equipment, coupled with immigration delays for professionals.
The project was initiated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy in collaboration with the Electricity Control Board, in the strive to maximize on the public-private partnerships.
Currently, Namibia imports over 60 percent of its electricity from other SADC countries.
This is the first time that Namibia is implementing a mass project.
The national blue print Harambee Prosperity Plan targets to increase power generation from 400 to 600 megawatts by the year 2020.
