The City of Windhoek (CoW) has officially closed down taps providing free water to residents living in informal settlements.
The municipality on Friday issued a statement where it advised informal settlement residents of the development, which will see over 1310 community taps (standpipes) reinstalled with a payment system.
City spokesperson Harald Akweenye confirmed the development, which he said would be gradual.
“Council resolved at their last meeting on 30 November 2021 to stop the supply of free water to the inhabitants of informal settlements effective 1 February 2022,” he said.
“The City of Windhoek has noticed with disappointment the illegal developments, including the abuse and wastage of the free water supply to communities in Windhoek’s informal settlements. Vandalising of the water-supply infrastructure and illegal water usage, for example using the free water for car washing, the construction of private structures by developers, and the stealing of water taps and water pipes by community members have caused serious financial burden to the City. To end the abuse and further financial liability to the City.”
Akweenye said the City Fathers arrived at the decision after noting that the government had continuously reneged on the payment for the services, which was a directive from the government in an effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Lost revenue to Council is about N$90 million to date. Government only made payments of about N$12 million for two months when Covid started. To date, we haven’t received any payment,” he said.
He added that the municipality had already instituted an awareness campaign, where informal settlement residents had been informed.
