SHORT DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

The City of Windhoek requested Burmeister & Partners to investigate the feasibility of providing electricity to the 12,000 plus informal households in the city. The specific project requirements were to determine:

• The impact of such an electrification programme on Windhoek's electrical infrastructure
• How to implement such a programme such that it is sustainable
• The financial impacts and viability of the programme on the City's budget and its affordability to residents

Burmeister & Partners in collaboration with students from the Polytechnic of Namibia prepared a questionnaire sampling 1000 households. This was used to develop a database containing demographic information and specifically outlining the energy usage patterns and needs of the residents.

An investigation was done into factors influencing the electrification of low income areas. This research included in the report, outlined issues such as sustainability, social and infrastructure impacts. Data from the survey was used to compliment information gleaned from local and international studies in electrification. This information was used to evaluate the options for electrification with regard to technology, service levels and community involvement.

Along with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Burmeister and Partners developed a financial tool enabling the city to determine the capital costs and affordability to residents of the electrification of these areas for different scenarios.

SERVICES PROVIDED

• Demographic Survey
• Finance and economical analysis
• Research and report preparation
• Final report and presentation