Katutura residents demand answers from City

Disgruntled Katutura residents gathered at the City of Windhoek debt management department on Wednesday demanding answers about a promise to write off debt of over N$520 million.According to the residents, the City made promises to write off certain debts last year but has failed to communicate anything further on this since November last year.“On 30 November 2023, the City of Windhoek made an announcement in respect of debt relief to the extent that it was called a Christmas gift by councillors," a letter addressed to the City by the Katutura Residents Committee stated."This relief announcement was vague, and even when we (the Katutura Residents Committee) [asked to be] provided clarity, the subsequent announcement on the 14th of December still did not instil confidence in us."Concerns addressed Residents demanded to see the municipality&#039;s CEO, Moses Matjayi, to hear “from the horse’s mouth” about the delay in write-offs.Matjayi and members of the City&#039;s management staff took turns to address the concerns raised.City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya confirmed that "registration for debt relief will start on the 15th of February and will allow for 100% relief on capital amounts and interest rates for pensioners, 50% for businesses and ordinary residents."Amutenya explained that pensioners who were 60 and older on 30 November 2023 are the only ones who will be considered for relief.Amutenya&#039;s statements were based on a resolution taken by the City last year.Clarity providedIn addition, the municipality revealed that estate relief on debt will be granted if the deceased person was 60 years of age or older at the time of death; anyone who died before turning 60 does not qualify for debt relief.Residents, led by Shaun Gariseb, claimed that when they approach the City to make payments, they are sent away and told to bring more money.Another resident, Ellen Johannes (68), told Namibian Sun: “I am a pensioner with no income and no support. My husband died 24 years ago and I have since been left with debt that I cannot pay. On occasions when we take whatever money we can to pay towards our outstanding accounts, we are told it is not enough."Help to qualifyOn the occasion, former Windhoek mayor Sade Gawanas explained that there are certain rules associated with the repayment of debts that have to be adhered to.“For all residents, there is a minimum amount that can be paid towards the total debt. The City of Windhoek requires a payment of no less than a third of the total outstanding amount in order for further arrangements to be discussed,” she said.The municipality also informed residents that in order to qualify and register for the debt relief programme, they should have prepaid water and electricity installed or have applied for it.“In the case that you do not have access to prepaid meters, we will help you apply once you register for debt relief, so that you can qualify,” Amutenya said.

Katutura residents demand answers from City

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Katutura residents demand answers from City

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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