Unpaid water bills have pushed NamWater’s outstanding debt to N$2.8 billion, intensifying pressure on a public utility that says continued non-payment is undermining its ability to secure the country’s bulk water supply.
The Namibian Water Corporation (NamWater) says the outstanding debt stood at N$2.8 billion as at 30 November, a 15.9% increase from N$2.44 billion recorded in February this year.
The utility says the rise, amounting to N$387.2 million, reflects growing arrears across most customer categories, particularly among local authorities.
Town councils are the single largest contributors, owing N$927 million, which represents 32.8% of the total outstanding amount.
Rural water communities follow closely with N$783 million, while private consumers account for N$342.5 million.
Municipalities owe N$253.7 million, with village councils and mines contributing N$169.8 million and N$166 million respectively.
Debt growth figures between February and November 2025 show that arrears have continued to deepen. Amounts owed by mines increased by 53%, while municipal debt rose by 20.1% and town council arrears by 19.4%.
Only regional councils and ministries recorded reductions during the same period.
NamWater says it relies almost entirely on revenue from water sales to fund operations, maintenance, and capital investments.
The utility notes that no tariff adjustments have been implemented over the past five years, despite rising costs and increasing pressure on ageing infrastructure.
NamWater cautions that the growing debt burden threatens routine maintenance and delays the expansion of water services, particularly in rural and remote areas where infrastructure investment remains critical.
The utility has called on all customers – including local authorities, government institutions, industries, and private users to urgently settle outstanding accounts or enter into structured payment arrangements.
It warns that continued default could force stricter debt recovery measures to protect national water security.
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