City of Windhoek warns residents to remove illegal power connections
The City of Windhoek has issued an urgent warning to residents to remove all illegal electricity connections before a planned enforcement operation begins in September 2026.
The municipality said the crackdown will target unauthorised electrical installations, particularly in informal settlements where unsafe wiring poses a serious risk to public safety.
According to the City, illegal electrical connections have resulted in millions of dollars in financial losses and have been linked to more than eight electrocution-related deaths and several injuries over the past five years.
The enforcement campaign will focus on informal settlements including Havana, Okuryangava, Otjomuise, Hakahana and Goreangab, where hazardous electrical connections are reportedly most common.
The City warned that connecting electricity illegally, bypassing municipal meters or distributing power without authorisation is a criminal offence under the Electricity Act and the City of Windhoek’s Electricity Supply Regulations.
Residents found violating the law could face immediate disconnection, fines of up to N$16,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. The municipality also said electricity services will only be restored once all outstanding charges have been settled.
The City has urged residents not to handle exposed electrical wires or illegal installations themselves, but to report suspected illegal connections, damaged transformers or cable theft through the relevant municipal channels.
Municipal officials said the campaign aims to improve public safety, protect electricity infrastructure and ensure residents access electricity through legal and safe connections.
Source: City of Windhoek.
