Allexer Namundjebo
Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has started a campaign to disconnect water supply to customers whose accounts are more than 60 days in arrears. The campaign is part of a nationwide debt collection effort. The campaign began on 25 March, targeting overdue accounts across the country.
On Wednesday, NamWater’s head of public relations and corporate communications, Lot Ndamanomhata, said the move followed a rise in unpaid bills, which has affected its operations and limited its ability to expand water infrastructure.
“The intervention forms part of the corporation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen financial sustainability, uphold the cost recovery model, and support continued investment in water infrastructure and service delivery across Namibia,” he said.
NamWater is owed more than N$2.8 billion, with local authorities accounting for the largest share.
Reports from earlier this year indicate that among the biggest debtors are the Rundu Town Council, which owes about N$333.9 million and the Rehoboth Town Council, which owes over N$108 million.
Other towns with high debt include Khorixas, Otavi, Keetmanshoop, Opuwo and Gobabis.
Ndamanomhata said its teams have been deployed across all regions to enforce its credit policy, including issuing disconnections where necessary.
He said customers who did not make arrangements to settle debts older than 60 days faced water cuts.
The utility said customers could still avoid disconnection by entering repayment agreements.
These require a minimum upfront payment of 30% of the outstanding balance, with the remainder paid over up to 12 months.
NamWater set 25 April as the deadline for teams to submit proof of enforcement actions, including disconnections.
“This campaign is not merely an enforcement exercise but a necessary step to ensure fairness, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of water services,” said Ndamanomhata.
The water utility urged customers to settle their accounts or enter repayment plans to avoid service disruptions.
Last month, a planned water cut in Rehoboth was put on hold after discussions between NamWater and the town council.
At the time, Ndamanomhata said local authorities must settle their bulk water bills.
