Kameeta urges free water for the poor

WINDHOEK – Church leaders say that water and electricity service providers are profit-driven instead of providing free services to the people.

Speaking at a conference organised by the Evangelical Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Bishop Zephania Kameeta questioned the role of Government and its Vision 2030. He asked:”Is the privatisation of water not detrimental to the Government’s Vision 2030, which states that all people should have access to safer water by the year 2030?” He expressed concern over the number of people who face eviction from their homes for not paying utility bills, adding that many poor families pay more than half of their monthly income for water and electricity.The conference was aimed at bringing together local and international experts with key policy makers to start a constructive debate for the benefit of Namibia’s marginalised and disadvantaged people.Water that once was free for the poor now suddenly carried a price tag, Kameeta said.He said it is the duty of the church to be the conscience of the government, political leaders and the business sector, and to fight for the empowerment of the weak.It is the first time that representatives from churches, civil society and Government have come together to discuss concrete policy issues.- NampaHe asked:”Is the privatisation of water not detrimental to the Government’s Vision 2030, which states that all people should have access to safer water by the year 2030?” He expressed concern over the number of people who face eviction from their homes for not paying utility bills, adding that many poor families pay more than half of their monthly income for water and electricity.The conference was aimed at bringing together local and international experts with key policy makers to start a constructive debate for the benefit of Namibia’s marginalised and disadvantaged people.Water that once was free for the poor now suddenly carried a price tag, Kameeta said.He said it is the duty of the church to be the conscience of the government, political leaders and the business sector, and to fight for the empowerment of the weak.It is the first time that representatives from churches, civil society and Government have come together to discuss concrete policy issues.- Nampa