A combined debt of N$15 million owed by residents of Kalkfeld to the Otjozondjupa Regional Council has led to water cuts for those in arrears.

This was confirmed by Regional Council Chairperson Marlene Mbakera, who says the debt hampers service delivery and development in the settlement.

Kalkfeld accounts for the highest debt in unpaid rates and taxes.

The inherited debt dates from the time when the settlement was downgraded from village council status in 1995.

"It's true that we do water cuts in Kalkfeld and in all the settlements, for that matter, because only Kalkfeld owes the regional council around N$15 million, so in order for us to avoid Namwater cutting the water to the whole settlement, we have to increase, and we have to aggressively collect debts. Because we do have schools in Kalkfeld,  a clinic in Kalkfeld, and a police station, these are all mandatory services that need to be there, and if the water is cut to the settlement, then it will also affect those services. We have a credit policy. Now the credit policy is what is guiding us on how we should collect this debt."

Mbakera says pensioners account for N$7 million in arrears despite subsidised services and arrangements in place.

"The plans that we have for Kalkfeld—to develop Kalkfeld—require employment in Kalkfeld. Only employment will attract young people to Kalkfeld, as we are sitting with more pensioners in Kalkfeld. So that's why we are pleading with our residents in all the settlements in Otjozondjupa, and specifically Kalkfeld,that they should please come to the offices and make these arrangements and pay off,so that we can pay our debt."

Mbakera added that plans are underway to install prepaid water metres at Kalkfeld within the current financial budget.