An Open Letter To Windhoek’s Mayor

Dear Mr Shikongo
WE purchased our house in August 2003 and our water account has been regular until the middle of 2007; we replaced what we thought could have been the cause of the ever escalating bill.

We went to enquire and were sent from here to there. I travel a lot and the same December we travelled and left no person at home. January the bill came for N$4 230. We were handed over to lawyers despite our protest, however it was withdrawn. We started our never-ending fight, and we were give a meter replacement last year beginning of December we paid an average of N$1 500, at times more. The meter testing came back positive, now can anybody tell me how you can accumulate a debt of N$52 000 in a space of two years whilst paying above what your neighbours are paying? My neighbours, with average of eight household members, are paying no more than N$700 including rates and water usage. We are four people, we do not have a garden or swimming pool. We are threatened with water being cut etc.You ask to see the management but in the end you are sent back to square one: debt management, how can I manage such debt which I know was charged in error? This is so frustrating. I do not have a problem with paying for what I use, but I must be billed correctly! I have been asking for an account reconciliation but without any help.I hope I get a lasting solution without having to have my water cut, I need my fair bill and that’s all!!T JuliusVia e-mailNote: The writer of this letter has provided a contact address if the City officials want to take up this matter – Ed