City rejects debt write-off for pensioners

Hertta-Maria Amutenja

The City of Windhoek has rejected demands for an unconditional write-off of debts owed by pensioners, citing financial risks and current council policy.

This follows a petition from the Khomas Ratepayers and Residents Association, which called on the municipality to cancel all pensioner debts and address ongoing concerns about land servicing and water access.

City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said debt cancellations must follow the framework approved by the council in 2023. 

“Granting an unconditional write-off of pensioner debt is not permissible under current council resolutions. It would compromise our ability to honour payments to critical service providers such as NamPower and NamWater,” she said.

Amutenya said the City understands the financial challenges facing elderly residents but pointed to the existing debt-relief programme, which remains in place and has already cancelled more than N$124 million in residential debt. 

“To date, around 500 pensioners have applied for the programme. All pensioners are encouraged to apply if they meet the eligibility requirements,” she said.

The association argued that many pensioners are excluded from the programme because they cannot afford the requirement to install prepaid water and electricity meters. 

They urged the City to revise the programme and adopt a more inclusive approach.

The petition also raised concerns from residents under the Built Together housing scheme, where homes are co-owned in groups. 

Many said they are unable to benefit from the relief programme due to billing complications linked to group ownership.

In response, the City said the Built Together scheme is no longer in use and has been replaced by the Informal Settlement Upgrading Programme. It added that residents can only receive individual title deeds once their groups dissolve and settle all outstanding debts.

Petitioners also criticised poor coordination between the City’s electricity and debt collection departments. They said some residents still face disconnections even after paying large sums, sometimes over N$20,000, due to unresolved penalties or lingering balances.

Amutenya said the City is aware of the issue and is working to improve coordination. 

“All disconnections and reconnections must be in line with council policy. Customers with complaints are encouraged to visit the City’s customer care offices,” she said.

At Farm 508, where residents were relocated after the 2021 floods, the petition highlighted overcrowding, limited road access, and lack of water taps, electricity, police patrols, and mobile shops.

The City said it had provided some services, including communal water taps and basic road access. It confirmed that land has been allocated for a future police station, school, and clinic, but implementation depends on coordination with the central government. 

“The area has been zoned and planning is underway. However, full implementation of services depends on available funding and support from the relevant ministries,” Amutenya said.

The petitioners gave the City until 30 September 2025 to respond in writing and offer solutions. 

They warned of further action if their concerns are not addressed.

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