Competition watchdog finalises Windhoek’s municipal accounts probe
Court cases continue as residents fume
Seven dissatisfied Windhoek residents are suing the municipality on allegations of unreasonable service disconnections and irregularities concerning the municipal accounting system.
The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) announced on Friday that its investigation into complaints against the Windhoek municipality's billing practices has been completed. According to the commission's chief executive officer and secretary, Vitalis Ndalikokule, proposals have been submitted to the commission's council and the council is now awaiting its next meeting in November.
The investigation followed complaints from various residents, particularly from Katutura suburbs, submitted to the commission.
Community activist Shaun Gariseb said Windhoek residents should keep all statements as evidence. “We will sue the City of Windhoek for the illegal disconnection of power supply, revenue losses and unjust fines,” he said.
Seven dissatisfied Windhoek residents are already in the process of suing the municipality, along with 29 other respondents, including the mayor, several council members, the Electricity Control Board (ECB), and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
Elizabeth Beukes, Meriam Uiras, Pinehas Gaiseb, Eben Gomeb, Bernhard Murere, Dorothea /Nanus and Katrina Shivute dispute debts amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, unreasonable service disconnections and irregularities concerning the municipal accounting system. The court case will continue on Thursday, 24 November.
Massive bills
In an unrelated court case, former teacher Rachel Joseph (83) has sued the municipality after the City of Windhoek cut off her services last week. “We (pensioners) are being caught out,” she said outside the court hearing, specifically considering the debt relief the municipality had provided for pensioners. She said no further arrangements are being accepted to help pay off large, unexpected monthly bills. “It would be different if we didn't want to pay, but how can I pay so much in one month? Where do we get that money?” she asked. Judge George Coleman ordered the City to restore the water supply.
In response to enquiries, Windhoek's municipality confirmed that the move to insist on full payment was made to avoid further accumulation of pensioner debt. So far, about 3 800 pensioners have participated in the debt write-off initiative, which is ongoing. According to the municipality, Windhoek residents owe more than one billion Namibia dollars in outstanding debts.
The investigation followed complaints from various residents, particularly from Katutura suburbs, submitted to the commission.
Community activist Shaun Gariseb said Windhoek residents should keep all statements as evidence. “We will sue the City of Windhoek for the illegal disconnection of power supply, revenue losses and unjust fines,” he said.
Seven dissatisfied Windhoek residents are already in the process of suing the municipality, along with 29 other respondents, including the mayor, several council members, the Electricity Control Board (ECB), and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
Elizabeth Beukes, Meriam Uiras, Pinehas Gaiseb, Eben Gomeb, Bernhard Murere, Dorothea /Nanus and Katrina Shivute dispute debts amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, unreasonable service disconnections and irregularities concerning the municipal accounting system. The court case will continue on Thursday, 24 November.
Massive bills
In an unrelated court case, former teacher Rachel Joseph (83) has sued the municipality after the City of Windhoek cut off her services last week. “We (pensioners) are being caught out,” she said outside the court hearing, specifically considering the debt relief the municipality had provided for pensioners. She said no further arrangements are being accepted to help pay off large, unexpected monthly bills. “It would be different if we didn't want to pay, but how can I pay so much in one month? Where do we get that money?” she asked. Judge George Coleman ordered the City to restore the water supply.
In response to enquiries, Windhoek's municipality confirmed that the move to insist on full payment was made to avoid further accumulation of pensioner debt. So far, about 3 800 pensioners have participated in the debt write-off initiative, which is ongoing. According to the municipality, Windhoek residents owe more than one billion Namibia dollars in outstanding debts.
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