Keetmanshoop Municipality Introduces Prepaid Water Meters to Address Resident Debt

KEETMANSHOOP — The Keetmanshoop Municipality has procured 1,000 prepaid water meters aimed at helping residents manage their existing debt. The meters will allow customers to add their outstanding debts to their accounts, which will be incrementally reduced with each purchase.

According to a new release by the Namibian Press Agency, who spoke at a press conference on Wednesday, the installation of these meters aims to prevent service interruptions while giving residents an avenue to pay off their debts. “A percentage of every purchase will be deducted to reduce the debt. This way, residents will not face service interruptions, while having the opportunity to reduce their outstanding debt,” Hanse elaborated.

The mayor disclosed that the municipality is owed approximately N.dollars 119 million in water bills by residents. He further clarified that this initiative is designed primarily for vulnerable, unemployed, and elderly members of the community. “We believe this approach strikes a fair balance between ensuring that everyone contributes to our municipal services while offering a compassionate solution to our most vulnerable community members,” Hanse added.

Regarding installation costs, Hanse stated that it would be around N.dollars 3,748, not including value-added tax. In terms of water usage, residents will be charged N.dollars 22.91 per 1,000 liters, while the municipality pays NamWater approximately N.dollars 19 for the same quantity.

However, the mayor’s announcement that the first seven meters will be installed at the residences of the seven municipality councillors as a “gesture of goodwill” has faced criticism. Residents questioned why councillors would be prioritized over more vulnerable community members.

Innocent Mathys, a resident of Keetmanshoop, expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, stating, “The council’s preference on the water meters is a slap in the face, especially for the elders. You cannot say charity starts at home; whose home with whose money? You are supposed to look at the people who are really vulnerable and start with them.”

Lee Mwemba, the municipality’s acting Chief Executive Officer, mentioned that a meeting between councillors and municipal management is planned to reconsider the initial installation decision.