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Residents of Green Valley at Farm 37 recently received solar-powered lights though the Walvis Bay Youth Climate Action Fund. The Walvis BayYouth Climate Action Fund is initiative was set up to provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors cross Africa to activate young people between 15 and 24 years old to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in their cities. Walvis Bay received a grant of N$ 1Million Namibian from Bloomberg Philanthropies after a successful application process. All purchases for all beneficiaries are purchased and facilitated through the Municipality while beneficiaries get an administrative Fee for the successful implementation of the project.
One such beneficiary of the fund was Peneyambeko Shituleipo, who received N$70 000, with which she executed a solar light project. The project provided solar pored lights to eighty-five (85) households with school-going children at Green Valley.
Shituleipo said “My family were relocated to farm 37 and when I saw the poster for the Youth Climate Action Fund, I knew I could make a difference in the lives of the people at Green Valley”. During a brief but joyous occasion at Geen Valley, Shituleipo handed over the solar powered lights with the assistance of the Mayor of Walvis Bay, Cllr Trevino Forbes.
Verizanio Bok, 15-year-old resident of Green Valley who is a grade 8 learner received one of the solar lights. Bok said he has been studying by candlelight for 10 months. He expressed his gratitude stating, “I’m very happy and grateful for the solar lights, we no longer need candles to study.”
Mayor Forbes was accompanied by members of management at the municipality with a view to address community concerns around sewage and electricity. The delegation informed the residents that the municipality will install solar streetlights, bringing light to the streets of Farm 37 until full electricity can be provided. To further ease the strain, more water points will be rolled out to aid in improving sanitation in the area.
In a show of solidarity, the mayor announced that all water and electricity bills would be temporarily paused, giving Green Valley families some financial ease while the municipality works on interim solutions. The mayor encouraged the community to continue sharing their concerns stating that “Developing Walvis Bay is a team effort”.
