Katutura residents plan protest against Windhoek’s debt management process

The Katutura Residents Committee (KRC) is preparing for a mass demonstration against the debt management process of the City of Windhoek.

In a letter addressed to the city council, KRC chairperson Benestus Kandundu expressed concerns over “a lack of consideration for the struggling masses amid a deteriorating socio-economic environment for debt collection”.

Kandundu highlighted the city’s recent announcement of the robust enforcement of its credit control policy, which includes the suspension of services for accounts in arrears for 30 days or more.

“Moreover, the city urged all customers to pay their municipal bills and make payment arrangements to avoid their services being disconnected,” Kandundu said.

The city’s decision, according to Kandundu, followed the submission of a document by KRC city requesting leniency in dealing with the current debt situation, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past three years.

“To this end, the Katutura Residents Committee is preparing the affected residents for a mass demonstration, tentatively scheduled for 27 June 2023. The primary objective is to sensitise the entire country to the unfolding situation in the city, which is negatively impacting its inhabitants,” Kandundu stated.

The peaceful demonstration is set to begin at the intersection of John Meinert Street and Independence Avenue, proceeding to the City of Windhoek’s head office.

The demonstrators plan to present a petition to the mayor and councillors that day.