Minimal tariff hikes for Keetmanshoop residents

THE residents of Keetmanshoop were slapped with minimal tariff increases ranging between one and three per cent when council recently had approved its N$ 48, 7 million 2011/2012 budget.

Council increased its water tariff with only one per cent, while all other municipal service tariffs were upped by three per cent. The council’s chief executive officer, Paul Vleermuis, yesterday described the budget as ‘balanced and customer friendly,’ adding the reasonable water tariff was decided after council had resolved to absorb the bulk supplier’s-NamWater- tariff increase.’All this years locals were paying more for water consumption than other town’s residents in Karas Region, therefore council opted to absorb the bulk supplier’s increase,’ said Vleermuis. According to Vleermuis, council would focus on the recovery of outstanding residents’ debts.Council generates bulk of its income from rates and taxes levies which is projected at N$15 million, followed by water sales forecasted at N$13 million. A budget surplus of N$137 216 is projected while N$48,5 million is forecasted for expenditure. N$12 million was set aside for capital, the bulk of which will be used to service 200 erven in the Tseiblaagte residential for the construction of low cost houses under the State-funded Build Together Project. Provision for the tarring of some roads were also made for in the capital projects budget. Vleermuis noted council plans to enter into a loan agreement to develop more erven at the town. The budget comes into effect today.