In a positive start to the year 2024, Eenhana residents have reason to celebrate as the town council introduces an interest relief program set to waive full interest on municipal accounts.

Scheduled to run for a year starting January 2nd, the program aims to assist residents, business owners, non-profit organisations, public institutions, and churches in settling their accounts without incurring interest charges.

During the early Christmas party for the elderly, Eenhana Mayor Omri-oon Kavandje expressed that the council initiated this program to alleviate the burden on residents following unsuccessful attempts to recover outstanding debts amounting to N$40 million. 

"Our residents, business owners, and clients have huge debts, amounting to N$40 million. We have made various attempts to encourage them to pay off their municipal bills; however, we did not succeed. Other towns have resolved to bring debt collectors on board, but we decided that before hiring debt collectors, we came up with this initiative to waive the interest added to their accounts."

The elders' event aimed to bring the community together, celebrate the elderly, and exchange ideas about the town's development.

Chief Social Worker at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Josephine Nghiishililwa, says, "There are many factors affecting your minds, such as the responsibilities of heading your houses and mostly your grandchildren that you are left by their mothers because you cannot apparently reject your own blood, and these are some of the many things that are deteriorating your health."

Efrain Weyulu, the Senior Headman of Eenhana District, commended the town council for the initiative of bringing the elderly together, especially during the festive season when love and peace are encouraged.

"This will be a remarkable day in our history for us elderly people aged 60 and above. I would like to thank the almighty God for blessing our leaders with wisdom, as they have used it to call us. This is a way of honoring us."