NamWater, Rehoboth reach debt agreement

Luqman Cloete

THE Rehoboth Town Council has reached an agreement with bulk water supplier, NamWater, over a debt of about N$35 million that could have led to the disconnection of water supplies to the town.

Two months ago, NamWater informed the council of the risk of having supplies disconnected because of defaulting in payments.

The council’s chief executive officer, Theo Jankowski, yesterday said the council had signed an agreement with NamWater to pay off the debt in instalments while honouring its current monthly water bill ranging between N$900 000 and N$1,7 million.

Jankowski also revealed that the residents owe the council over N$50 million in water bills and warned that those failing to pay their water bill arrears will have supplies disconnected.

“We will take drastic actions against defaulters,” said Jankowski.

He said council’s NamWater water debt has accumulated over the years and blamed the decision by the previous council not to disconnect water supplies to defaulting residents for debt woes the council finds itself in.

In the past, due unemployment and poverty the council was reluctant to cut off water supply to defaulters houses,” said Jankowski.

luqman@namibian.com.na