Namibia’s bulk water utility, the Namibia Water Corporation, says rising unpaid water bills are placing increasing pressure on the country’s bulk water supply system, with total outstanding debt reaching N$2.8 billion as at 30 November 2025.
NamWater said arrears increased by N$387.2 million, or 15.9%, from N$2.44 billion recorded in February 2025, reflecting persistent payment challenges across several customer categories.
According to the corporation, town councils account for the largest share of the outstanding debt at N$927.0 million, representing 32.8% of the total.
Rural water communities owe N$783.1 million, or 27.7%, while private consumers account for N$342.5 million, equivalent to 12.1%. Municipalities owe N$253.7 million, with village councils and mines accounting for N$169.8 million and N$166.0 million, respectively.
“NamWater reiterates that while water is an essential service, its treatment, storage, conveyance and distribution require substantial and continuous financial resources. Persistent non-payment directly undermines the Corporation’s ability to operate, maintain ageing infrastructure and expand services to underserved communities,” the corporation said.
NamWater reported that between February and November 2025, arrears increased across most sectors.
Debt owed by mines recorded the highest growth rate, rising by 53% to N$166 million. Municipalities and town councils posted increases of 20.1% and 19.4%, respectively, while arrears from rural water communities rose by 15.8%.
The corporation said the continued accumulation of debt poses a serious risk to its operations, noting that NamWater relies almost entirely on revenue from water sales to fund the treatment, storage, conveyance and distribution of bulk water.
NamWater added that no tariff adjustments have been implemented over the past five years, despite rising operational costs and ageing infrastructure.
As a result, growing arrears are limiting the corporation’s ability to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure and delaying the expansion of water services, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
