Residents demand answers on City of Windhoek’s contract with RedForce Debt Management

Some Windhoek residents, represented by the Khomas Ratepayers and Residents Association, have voiced their dissatisfaction with the potential extension of RedForce Debt Management’s contract as the City of Windhoek’s debt collector.

The Khomas Ratepayers and Residents Association, through spokesperson Shaun Gariseb, on Wednesday issued a statement to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.

Gariseb urged minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa to assist residents in their enquiries to the City of Windhoek seeking clarity on whether RedForce’s debt-collecting contract, which reportedly ends on 31 July, would be extended.

Residents claim their questions about the contract’s conditions with RedForce remain unanswered.

Gariseb alleged that RedForce Debt Management has been operating with irregular tax rates and was appointed without proper proceedings, which he claims violates Article 18 of the Namibian Constitution.

The right to administrative justice is guaranteed under Article 18, which requires administrative bodies and administrative officials to act fairly and reasonably.

“The debt collector was appointed without a council resolution and it’s not in the interest of ratepayers or the City of Windhoek. It’s a clear violation of Article 18 of the Namibian Constitution,” he said.

Gariseb urged the City of Windhoek to instead use and strengthen its internal debt department.

“The internal debt department must be capacitated and do its work,” he said.

Gariseb called on the minister to intervene to “help the low-income households that are handed over because of a defective billing system”.

City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya confirmed that the contract with RedForce Debt Management will expire on 31 July, although it includes a one-year exit clause for finalising outstanding files.

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