Defaulters owe NamWater N$1,6 billion

DEFAULTING local authorities and rural communities who are directly connected to NamWater pipelines own the water utility about N$1,6 billion, with rural arrears alone at N$400 million.

Confirming these figures yesterday, NamWater spokesperson Michael Mikka warned that they would soon cut off water supplies for unpaid water accounts in rural communities.

According to Mikka, NamWater is running a campaign, which started in September and ending this month, to allow clients to settle their water bills.

“We have many defaulters and we are in the process of doing debt recovery. This is a countrywide campaign for every NamWater client,” Mikka said.

According to him, the water cuts do not apply to people living in towns, but those who are living in villages.

“Towns are different authorities and we will not close their water. It’s people who are connected directly from our pipelines and have NamWater water meters,” he said.

Mikka added that these people owe NamWater about N$400 million, while together with local authorities the bill is at about N$1,6 billion.

“In the past, people believed water is for free and many people don’t pay. However, only a few people do so. Our water meters count and they ended up having high bills,” Mikka said.

NamWater said they do not charge interest on arrears, but ask the clients to make a commitment to pay a certain amount every month.

He added that the campaign is also a platform for NamWater to engage with its clients to find amicable solutions on how they can settle Their accounts.

“We want to do this engagement with our customers. Those who are not coming forth to talk to us, we will unfortunately have to cut off their water,” he said.

Mikka said people such as they elderly are encouraged to visit NamWater offices to sign agreements on how much they can pay.

“Come forth and explain to us. We will gladly assist you. We have put this issue in nine direct languages on all NBC radio stations,” he said.

OMUSATI WATER CRISIS TO END SOON

Mikka said NamWater will next week launch the Outapi water treatment plant that will start supplying water to the region.

“This will drastically improve the water crisis situation in the region. We know that this region had water problems, but it will be over soon,” he said.

NamWater also started pumping water into the Olushandja Dam two weeks ago to ensure maximum water flow.

CANAL REHABILITATION

NamWater has announced that water is currently flowing in the canal and not in the by-pass canals.

“We are already busy filling and compacting these by-pass canals. Water is no more flowing in the by-pass canals,” he said.

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