Allexer Namundjembo
New tariffs and fines by the Kavango East Regional Council have drawn criticism from a Rundu community activist, who says the charges will add pressure on low-income households and informal traders.
Community activist Ndemba Kayone told the Windhoek Observer that the new fee structure does not reflect the realities faced by many residents.
“We understand that the council must recover costs and maintain services, but these new tariffs place a heavier burden on people who are already struggling to survive,” Kayone said.
The new charges were published in the government gazette No. 123 of 2026 and apply to the financial year ending 31 March 2026, with effect from 1 April 2026.”
Under the new schedule, annual advertising fees will apply to billboards and signboards on town land. Small business billboards up to two square meters will cost N$500 per year, medium billboards N$1 000, and large billboards N$1 500. Signboards will cost between N$500 and N$1 000 depending on size.
Water towers erected on town land will attract N$3 000 per year. Network towers will be charged N$3 000 once off and N$1 500 per month.
Fines for by-law offences have also been set. Illegal dumping of domestic waste will cost N$600 for a first offence. Non-domestic dumping will cost N$1 000. Illegal occupation of land will result in a N$1 000 fine and eviction. Illegal water connections will attract a N$5 000 fine for a first offence and legal action for a second offence.
Noise pollution in business and residential areas will result in a written warning for a first offence, a $200 fine for a second offence, and the revocation of operating rights for a third offence.
Temporary land allocations will cost N$500 per month for contractors, N$40 for small and medium enterprises, and N$10 for street vendors.
Refuse removal will cost N$20 per month for residential properties, N$40 for businesses and N$60 for institutions. Basic water maintenance charges range from N$10 to N$20 per month. Water consumption will cost N$11.55 per cubic metre.
Residents with their own water supply will pay a fixed N$500 per month. Private boreholes will cost N$300 per month. Replacing a damaged water meter will cost N$500, and transferring a water account will cost N$50.
Sewer charges will be N$30 per month for residential properties and N$45 for businesses and institutions. Sewerage pumping charges will range between N$22 and N$30 per unit.
New water connection fees are set at N$500 for residential properties, N$1 000 for businesses and N$1 500 for institutions. Sewer connection fees are set at N$500 for all categories.
Leasehold charges for residential, business and institutional land have been revised based on land size. A N$150 transfer fee will apply to property transactions. Overdue accounts will attract 1.4% interest.
Business registration and permit fees are set at N$250 for small businesses and N$500 for large businesses. Building plan approvals will cost N$1.50 per square metre.
Other charges include a N$200 road closure permit for events, a N$3 emergency fire levy and a N$20 monthly dustbin rental. Council houses will rent for between N$950 and N$2 500 per month. Guest house accommodation will range from N$250 to N$400 per night. Gravel mining will cost N$1,000 per load per day.
In the gazette, the council said, the new charges are intended to regulate the use of council land, facilities and services and to ensure cost recovery for municipal operations across the region.
Kayone said the impact will fall hardest on informal traders and low-income families.
“Street vendors are expected to pay for land, refuse removal and water, and at the same time face higher penalties for by-law offences, yet many of them are just trying to put food on the table,” he said.
He said increases in service charges will affect household budgets.
“For many families in Rundu, even an extra N$20 or N$30 per month makes a real difference. These decisions appear to have been taken without proper community consultation,” Kayone said.
He said heavy fines for illegal dumping, informal land occupation and illegal water connections do not address the root causes.
“These issues are often linked to poverty and the lack of serviced land, not deliberate criminal behaviour. Punishing people without first providing affordable alternatives and proper infrastructure is unfair,” he said.
Kayone called on the council to meet with residents, informal traders and community leaders to review the tariffs and consider reduced fees or phased implementations for vulnerable groups.
