Africa-Press – Namibia. Residents and property owners in Omaruru owe the Omaruru Municipality more than N$92 million in outstanding debt, placing significant strain on the municipality’s ability to deliver services.
The municipality’s CEO Valentinus Sindongo, in a recent interview, informed Nampa that the bulk of the debt is linked to overdue service payments, with most accounts falling well beyond the 120-day mark.
“The majority of this is older debt, with a large portion exceeding 120 days, which is not in line with the 80/20 principle for sustainable revenue collection,” he expressed.
Of the total amount, approximately N$41 million relates to property debt, while about N$38 million is owed for municipal services.
An additional N$10 million is linked to the Build Together housing programme, the CEO noted.Sindongo warned that poor payment compliance is directly affecting service delivery.
“Running a local authority is costly. What we bill is what we rely on to maintain infrastructure, pay workers and ensure services are delivered, and without revenue, service delivery declines,” Sindongo said.
To improve revenue collection, the council has introduced prepaid water meters, allowing residents to better manage consumption while ensuring cost recovery.
However, the system also enforces accountability, as outstanding debts continue to accumulate if not settled.
“In the past, residents could consume services without paying. Now, with prepaid systems, debts are still tracked and deducted, which encourages payment discipline,” Sindongo explained.
The council has also resorted to service disconnections for non-payment, although some residents have entered into repayment arrangements.
Sindongo also highlighted challenges related to inherited properties, where occupants assume they are not responsible for debt incurred by deceased relatives.
“Services are still being consumed, so someone must take responsibility.
There is a need for greater public understanding of these obligations,” he said.
He added that while special consideration may be given to vulnerable cases such as pensioners without family support, most debts remain payable.
The CEO urged residents to settle their accounts to enable the council to sustain operations and improve service delivery across the town.
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