To support the town of Otavi in attaining its economic strategic plan, Ohorongo Cement availed land for the construction of a substation next to its cement manufacturing plant at no cost to NamPower. Through this substation, the electricity distribution company CenoRed, constructed a 40km 33kV overhead line from the Sargberg substation to supply Otavi.
On what contribution the company makes to communities affected by its operation, Ohorongo Cement’s Managing Director, Hans-Wilhelm Schütte said “the town of Otavi has the potential to be a logistics, tourism and agricultural hub but this has been hampered by the persistent electricity outages as a result of inadequate power supply.
In foresight, during the construction of the cement plant in 2008, Ohorongo funded the construction of a 132kV high voltage power line from Otjikoto Substation to the cement plant.
“Power outages are a major business constraint, and that is why Ohorongo has committed to the sustainable development of Otavi through the availing of land to the power utility that would ensure an uninterrupted power supply. This, we believe, has as a far-reaching positive impact on the standard of living of the residents of Otavi,” said Schütte.
With the new power line that was commissioned last week by CenoRed, Schütte is confident that reliable constant power supply will attract investors to the town of just over 5000 inhabitants. He added that this, could ensure that a lasting solution to fight the persisting high levels of poverty at the town.
He emphasised that “Ohorongo’s involvement in the development of Otavi is in support of our national development policies of Growth at Home, Vision 2030 and the HPP, with regards to creating opportunities for local value addition and beneficiation for Namibia.”
The company has been making a direct contribution to development and poverty alleviation initiatives at the town, through its corporate social responsibility arm Ohorongo Otavi Community Trust (OOCT).
“Together with our partners, we have refurbished the Otavi clinic and equipped it with additional medical equipment and an ambulance. We are now busy with the rehabilitation of the sports facilities such as the Netball, Volley ball and Basketball courts,” said Schütte.
This institutional value is further cemented through the Ohorongo Employees Housing Scheme. Through this scheme, Otavi Town Council allocated 30 serviced ervens for the construction of houses for Ohorongo employees.
The company availed N$9 million towards the purchase of land as well as cement contribution, for the construction of employee houses. This is as a result of the 2016 wage negotiations, were the workers union negotiated for assistance towards property ownership for the employees.
Schütte emphasised that these are just some of the many efforts that the cement manufacturing company is doing for its host town and towards the development of Namibia at large.
Ohorongo operates a state-of-the-art cement plant which is situated 25km north of the town of Otavi. Plant which is one of the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly on the African continent.