Ester Shafashike
Article 18 of the Namibian Constitution guarantees individuals the right to a hearing whenever administrative officials act unfairly.
Furthermore, Article 95(e) obligates the government to ensure that all citizens have fair and reasonable access to public facilities and services. Despite these constitutional guarantees, it appears that such rights are either unknown or deliberately ignored by some local authority practitioners and town council members.
Admittedly, the Local Authorities Act grants local councils the discretion to formulate by-laws aimed at sustaining and maintaining towns and villages. However, I am of the opinion that these bylaws should not disadvantage residents or serve the interests of a privileged few. Instead, they should reflect the needs and realities of the broader community.
Nowadays, many municipalities appear to prioritise their own interests over those of local communities. This is evident in the billing statements sent to residents, which often reflect double charges or unreasonable fees. As a result, many individuals are forced into debt and find themselves unable to access essential services such as water. For instance, the cemetery maintenance fee of N$3.79 charged by the Tsumeb Municipality raises serious concerns. Families are already required to pay a fixed burial fee. Therefore, charging an additional maintenance fee seems unjustified. Is this not, in effect, a form of double payment?
Similarly, residents of Ondangwa are charged both a residential land tax of N$121.00 monthly and a residential building tax of N$135.12, respectively. This begs the question: are they being taxed twice for the same property? Moreover, how are these building values determined, considering that properties vary significantly in size and condition? It’s equally unreasonable to charge a garden refuse fee of N$48.00 to every resident, regardless of whether they have a garden, trees, or any vegetation at all.
In addition, water is a basic human necessity and should be affordable to all. Yet, in Tsumeb, water usage appears to be treated as a luxury. Residents are charged N$11.61 per kilolitre (KL) for usage between 0 and 11 KL and N$17.00 per KL for usage between 12 and 30 KL. Consequently, many residents feel punished for using water beyond minimal levels. But why do these rates differ so drastically? What exactly is the municipality trying to achieve through this pricing model?
By contrast, the Ondangwa Town Council charges a flat rate of N$6.00 per KL, making water significantly more affordable. This comparison highlights the need for transparency and fairness in municipal pricing structures.
Historically, our heroes and heroines went into exile to fight against apartheid and colonialism. Their struggle was rooted in the pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity for all Namibians. Regrettably, the original purpose of that fight seems to have been forgotten. Today, many of those entrusted with serving the public and meeting the needs of local communities often place their own interests above the delivery of effective public services.
In conclusion, the time has come for municipalities to be held accountable. They must be compelled to refocus on their core mission of serving the nation and ensuring effective public service delivery rather than advancing their own interests.
*Ester Shafashike is a senior education officer at the Oshikoto directorate of education within the ministry of innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture. The views expressed are her own and do not represent those of her employer.
