31 Aug 2026

Okavango District Council is set to explore renewable energy with a plan in place to develop a landmark 200 MV utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Gumare.

Council chairperson Mr Gaopalelwe Ronald revealed this when addressing the full council meeting recently, saying the project was expected to strengthen strategic partnerships and contribute to the country’s long-term sustainable energy plans.

He said the council had sent out an Expession of Interest calling for potential qualified and experienced renewable energy developers, financiers and other strategic partners for the plan to materialise.

On other matters, Mr Ronald observed that agriculture was a key contributor to rural livelihoods in the Okavango District.

He therefore, said it was important for the council to support efforts toward increased agricultural production, support climate-smart agriculture and improve access to markets to strengthen household food security.

Further, the chairperson appealed to government departments and institutions to procure locally-produced agricultural products for schools and health facilities in order to expand markets for local farmers and nurture local economies.

For their part, Xhaoga-Kajaja councillor Mr Galebolae Motshabakhawa commended the council’s renewable energy initiative for solar energy, which he said would help the district with reliable power supply, thereby addressing the problem of frequent power interruptions.

Councillor for Habu-Nokaneng Mr Itjienda Tjinyeka said the council should be proactive towards supporting the agricultural sector in the district.

Mr Tjinyeka observed that the agriculture sector had potential due to abundant water and land.

He therefore suggested that the council should come up with an Agric Bank specifically for assisting farmers with funds for acquiring farm implements at lower rates.

Mr Tjinyeka also said the council should take an initiative to benchmark from farmers in nearby villages in neighbouring Namibia to appreciate why agriculture was thriving. ENDS