Water rationing at Bethanie angers villagers

THE Bethanie Tax Payers Association (BTPA) has threatened to take unspecified action to pressure the Bethanie Village Council to lift water restrictions at the village.

Rationing of water to the estimated 3 000 residents – to reduce the village’s water bill – was implemented a week ago. Water is supplied daily to residents between 06h00 and 07h00, 13h00 and 14h00 and 17h00 and 20h00.During weekends normal water supply is restored.Earlier, Village Secretary Willie Humphries said the water restrictions were triggered by the Council’s financial situation.BTPA Secretary Andre Knouwds yesterday said the association planned to take drastic action.He declined to elaborate, but rumours have it that the BTPA wants to get an interim court order against the Council.Knouwds would neither confirm nor deny this.Approached for comment yesterday, Humphries said the Council was ready to challenge any action coming its way.”The BTPA can go ahead with any action, as long as it has reasonable grounds,” he said.According to Humphries, Bethanie’s average monthly water bill is N$60 000.The Council aims to cut it to N$40 000.The Namibian has it on good authority that the Council owes NamWater about N$800 000.Water is supplied daily to residents between 06h00 and 07h00, 13h00 and 14h00 and 17h00 and 20h00.During weekends normal water supply is restored.Earlier, Village Secretary Willie Humphries said the water restrictions were triggered by the Council’s financial situation.BTPA Secretary Andre Knouwds yesterday said the association planned to take drastic action.He declined to elaborate, but rumours have it that the BTPA wants to get an interim court order against the Council.Knouwds would neither confirm nor deny this.Approached for comment yesterday, Humphries said the Council was ready to challenge any action coming its way.”The BTPA can go ahead with any action, as long as it has reasonable grounds,” he said.According to Humphries, Bethanie’s average monthly water bill is N$60 000.The Council aims to cut it to N$40 000.The Namibian has it on good authority that the Council owes NamWater about N$800 000.