Africa-Press – Botswana. Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) in Kanye has reported a positive reception of its debt amnesty programme, which is aimed at domestic customers.
This initiative is meant to aid WUC to recover about P30 million in outstanding dues from residential consumers. In an interview, WUC general manager Mr Monametsi Ramosu said the amnesty was intended to alleviate the burden of water bills arrears that had accumulated over time. The amnesty allows customers to negotiate flexible repayment terms for their debts.
Mr Ramosu noted that many residents accrued debt during the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic when disconnections for non-payment were suspended. The debt amnesty initiative covers all debts incurred prior to December 2024 and would be open for three consecutive months, from April to June 2025.
Mr Ramosu explained that under this programme customers were required to pay 50 percent of their outstanding dues within the three-month timeframe, while the government would cover the remaining balance. Customers with bills incurred in 2025 will need to address those outside the debt amnesty arrangement.
The corporation aims to significantly reduce the outstanding debt by the end of June 2025, while simultaneously helping customers to rectify their account statuses. Early indications show a favourable uptake of the programme.
Mr Ramosu emphasised that WUC continued to promote the debt amnesty program through public announcements and was committed to addressing concerns from customers previously handed over to debt collectors. He said these individuals would also have the opportunity to benefit from the programme, with WUC willing to withdraw their accounts from debt collectors and work with them directly.
He said while some may perceive the programme as a financial loss for the government, it was a necessary step to improve debt collection, citing that the WUC sees this amnesty as a means to recover funds that can support various government developmental initiatives.
Regarding businesses and government entities, Mr Ramosu said they would be obligated to settle their debts without special dispensations offered under the debt amnesty programme.
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