The City of Windhoek has rejected calls for the unconditional cancellation of debts owed by pensioners, warning that such a move would undermine the municipality’s financial health and its ability to deliver essential services.
This follows a formal petition submitted by the Khomas Ratepayers and Residents Association, which raised concerns over various aspects of urban governance.
“Doing so would compromise the Council’s financial sustainability and its ability to maintain essential services to all residents,” the City said.
In its response, the municipality noted that many pensioners fall back into arrears even after receiving targeted relief, describing this trend as unsustainable.
“The unfortunate reality is that many pensioners fall back into arrears even after targeted relief, and this cycle is simply unsustainable,” the City said.
The municipality stressed the importance of meeting bulk payment obligations to NamPower and NamWater in order to avoid broader service disruptions. Pensioners are instead being encouraged to switch to prepaid utility systems to better manage consumption and reduce future debt risk.
Alongside the debt issue, the City addressed long-standing challenges related to communal housing under the Built Together Program and informal savings-led housing models. These models, the City said, although useful in facilitating land access, create legal and administrative hurdles.
“These Savings Groups have typically acquired land in bulk and informally subdivided it among members,” the City explained.
Land transfers through former Built Together Groups will only take place once all debts are settled and the groups are formally dissolved. “Only once these conditions are fulfilled can land be transferred from the City to the group, and from the group to individual members,” the statement read.
Residents involved in such arrangements are being encouraged to apply for formal ownership through the Flexible Land Tenure System or request exemptions from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. “Groups are encouraged to visit our Human Settlement Office in Katutura for step-by-step guidance,” the City advised.
The City also clarified that the Built Together Program has been discontinued and replaced with the Informal Settlement Upgrading Program, which focuses on secure tenure and affordable housing. “Financial support for servicing land or house construction is no longer provided through the Built Together Program,” it noted.
In response to a call for better coordination between electricity and debt management departments, the City confirmed that internal discussions are under way. However, it warned residents that tampering with meters or illegal connections will not be tolerated. “Illegal connections and meter tampering are criminal offenses and will be prosecuted,” the City said.
On the matter of residents relocated to Farm 508 following recent flooding, the municipality reported that more than 300 households have been accommodated. Essential services, including water, sanitation, road access and lighting, are being rolled out in phases.
“Electrification and lighting are planned under the Council’s Electricity Universal Access Program, subject to funding availability,” the City stated.
The City confirmed that land has been earmarked for a police station, health centre, and school, but emphasised that these fall under national jurisdiction. “Residents and community leaders are encouraged to engage with these ministries to advocate for the timely delivery of these critical services,” it said.
