NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata says due to ongoing negotiations between the water utility and the Rehoboth Town Council, anticipated bulk water supply interruptions have been halted for now.
The council on Tuesday issued a notice to residents about possible bulk water supply interruption due to an outstanding council debt of N$150 million.
Ndamanomhata says councils charge their clients rates and taxes, as well as for the use of water and electricity monthly and should get into the habit of paying the bulk supplier.
“I hear people say water is a God-given resource and therefore it should be free. But as soon as NamWater has to purify that water to bring it to a consumable level, store it and distribute it nationally, costs are involved, and these costs need to be covered,” he told Desert FM on Wednesday.
The spokesperson said local authorities, town councils, and rural communities owe NamWater N$2.8 billion in total, threatening the security of water provision. He said NamWater is therefore engaging all its clients to pay their outstanding accounts.
The Rundu Town Council owes the biggest amount, with over N$300 million, followed by Rehoboth.
Rehoboth mayor Jacky ǂKhariseb has confirmed that the suspension will not proceed at this stage.
He says the Rehoboth Town Council is engaging NamWater to find a solution and that bulk water supply to the town will not be suspended while negotiations are ongoing.
“Residents will be informed of further developments as engagements continue. Water services to the town remain operational while the discussions proceed. So for now, the planned suspension of the town’s water supply by NamWater has been put on hold,” #Khariseb says.
The mayor says negotiations were escalated and now include the Hardap governor’s office and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
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