Oshakati to forgive the dead
The Oshakati Town Council has decided to write off the debts of deceased clients, which the council estimates to be around N$5 million.
“The Oshakati Town Council understands the difficulties that families face after the loss of a loved one and believes that this measure will provide much-needed relief,” the municipality said in a statement issued yesterday.
The local authority said the debts qualifying for write-offs must be at least 20 years old.
“As part of its ongoing commitment to alleviating the financial burden on residents, the Oshakati Town Council has made the compassionate decision to write off all outstanding debts on residential municipal accounts registered in the names of deceased persons,” the statement reads.
The council noted that its decision follows its observation that over 147 residential accounts belonging to deceased persons are in arrears, amounting to N$5 million, which is classified as ‘bad debts'.
“These debts include charges for water usage, rates and taxes; refuse removal; fire brigade services and sewerage, which are typically part of municipal accounts," the council explained.
It added: “To provide relief to families struggling to settle these accounts and to ensure they can move forward without the added stress of inherited financial obligations, the council made this decision during its council meeting in November 2024."
The initiative will take effect from 25 February and includes all residential municipal accounts of deceased persons, regardless of the amount accumulated.
Much-needed relief
According to Oshakati Town Council, the initiative aims to provide financial relief to families, enable the transfer of properties to new owners and facilitate access to water and other municipal services.
Residents of Oshakati are urged to apply for the reconnection of water services on affected accounts, as many have been disconnected due to arrears.
The local authority further stated that it will notify the family members of all deceased persons in Oshakati about this decision.
"The Oshakati Town Council invites all affected families to make enquiries and take advantage of this opportunity.”
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“The Oshakati Town Council understands the difficulties that families face after the loss of a loved one and believes that this measure will provide much-needed relief,” the municipality said in a statement issued yesterday.
The local authority said the debts qualifying for write-offs must be at least 20 years old.
“As part of its ongoing commitment to alleviating the financial burden on residents, the Oshakati Town Council has made the compassionate decision to write off all outstanding debts on residential municipal accounts registered in the names of deceased persons,” the statement reads.
The council noted that its decision follows its observation that over 147 residential accounts belonging to deceased persons are in arrears, amounting to N$5 million, which is classified as ‘bad debts'.
“These debts include charges for water usage, rates and taxes; refuse removal; fire brigade services and sewerage, which are typically part of municipal accounts," the council explained.
It added: “To provide relief to families struggling to settle these accounts and to ensure they can move forward without the added stress of inherited financial obligations, the council made this decision during its council meeting in November 2024."
The initiative will take effect from 25 February and includes all residential municipal accounts of deceased persons, regardless of the amount accumulated.
Much-needed relief
According to Oshakati Town Council, the initiative aims to provide financial relief to families, enable the transfer of properties to new owners and facilitate access to water and other municipal services.
Residents of Oshakati are urged to apply for the reconnection of water services on affected accounts, as many have been disconnected due to arrears.
The local authority further stated that it will notify the family members of all deceased persons in Oshakati about this decision.
"The Oshakati Town Council invites all affected families to make enquiries and take advantage of this opportunity.”
[email protected]
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