Nida’s N$3.9m Keetmanshoop debt remains unpaid

The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) says it is unable to settle its N$3.9 million water and electricity debt owed to the Keetmanshoop municipality, citing tenants failing to pay their rent.

This was revealed last Friday by Nida spokesperson Wessel !Nanuseb.

“The large debt of more than N$3 million is mostly due to excessive rates and taxes and the non-payment of monthly rentals by our tenants,” !Nanuseb said, adding that this leads to cash flow challenges for Nida.

!Nanuseb said Nida should receive preferential rates and taxes from local authorities. Given Nida’s extensive property portfolio, he noted that these costs have become an excessive burden, and suggested that municipalities should act as partners in development rather than just creditors.

According to a demand letter dated 10 February 2025 seen by The Namibian, the municipality advised Nida to take advantage of the interest amnesty period ending 31 May 2025.

Under this arrangement, the agency would receive a 100% interest waiver of N$777 769 if it settles its capital debt of N$3.1 million.

Nida was further advised to settle the arrears on its capital balance through a three-month repayment plan to bring all its accounts up to date.

This issue was raised by the National Council parliamentary standing committee on public accounts on 15 January 2025 and 10 February 2025.

Last month, the parliamentary standing committee on economics and public administration held engagement meetings with the municipality, but the status of the debt remains unresolved.

“We could not settle the +N$3 million bill in three months as per the letter’s request as we simply do not have the additional funds to pay N$1 million per month, over three months, to one single municipality,” !Nanuseb said.

He said the proposed offer was declined.

!Nanuseb explained that they are, however, still in the process of requesting assistance from the treasury through the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, its line ministry.

Nida is seeking a specific amount of funding to settle a significant portion of its outstanding debt to municipalities across the country, including Keetmanshoop.

Keetmanshoop municipality spokesperson Monica Imene-Sheehama on Friday said the council has maintained ongoing communication with Nida since issuing the demand letter in February 2025 and subsequent monthly bills.

“We are not privy to the reason(s) for their non-payment and they are better able to answer this question,” she added.

She said although administrative meetings were held with Nida’s property officer, the municipality is still awaiting a formal response from the agency’s senior leadership.

Meanwhile, she noted that as of 31 December 2025, the Keetmanshoop municipality’s water debt stood at approximately N$209 million, while its electricity debt was roughly N$50 million.

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