Hertta-Maria Amutenja
A group of Windhoek residents has written to the minister of urban and rural development, James Sankwasa, asking for urgent intervention in ongoing disputes with the City of Windhoek (CoW).
Their grievances include delays in releasing audit reports and alleged electricity disconnections despite payments.
In a letter dated 19 May, social justice activist Shaun Gariseb, on behalf of affected residents, called on the minister to address grievances related to electricity cut-offs, unclear debt collection procedures, and the city’s failure to release findings from four completed forensic investigations.
Gariseb said residents have held demonstrations and submitted petitions since 2022.
They are demanding accountability from the municipality and clarity on alleged fraud, financial mismanagement, and collusion in billing.
“These reports are complete, but the city has not made them public,” Gariseb stated.
He added that earlier requests to former minister Erastus Uutoni and the Central Procurement Board had produced no results.
Gariseb also raised concerns about the continued use of RedForce Debt Management.
“Since the extension of the RedForce contract, we have not seen a public resolution or bidding document. Residents have written to the Ombudsman and other officials, but our cries have gone unanswered,” he said.
One case involved the estate of the late J. and J.S. Louw.
Gariseb said the family paid N$20,000, including N$13,167 to RedForce and N$6,030 to the city, but their electricity was not reconnected.
He said officials told the family that unless fines are paid first, accounts are not automatically updated.
“Residents are misled into making payment arrangements without knowing that unpaid fines can still prevent reconnections,” Gariseb said.
He suggested that fines be included in monthly statements and that account holders be notified before payments are accepted.
He also proposed sending automated SMS alerts when tampering is detected, as some incidents are caused by tenants without the owners’ knowledge.
Gariseb said the city is violating the Electricity Act, particularly Section 29, by not informing residents of procedural changes.
Community leaders have also written to the presidency after failing to secure a meeting with the city’s management.
“We have exhausted all avenues and now place our trust in the minister’s leadership to revive local authorities and enforce accountability,” Gariseb said.
Residents hope the minister will respond to their concerns.
When contacted, Minister Sankwasa James said he was not aware of the audit reports and asked for a copy of the letter from residents.
“I need time to study this before I respond,” he said.
He did not respond to follow-up questions by the time of publication.
The Windhoek Observer also contacted the City of Windhoek. The city had not responded at the time of publication.
Questions included the status of the audit reports, reasons for withholding them, the terms of the RedForce contract extension, and communication between departments.
