Keetmanshoop Mayor McDonald Hanse thanked the town's residents for "a commendable display of responsibility to settle their municipal accounts."

This is after the municipality gave notice that those in arrears with their water bills would be disconnected should they fail to make payment arrangements with the municipality.

Hundreds of Keetmanshoop residents flocked to the municipal offices to make payment arrangements to avoid having their water supply cut. 

"I want to say that I am really proud of what I have seen the past two days, and please come out, pay your current account, and make arrangements. I can give you assurance that our people are not unreasonable; they are not going to force you into something that you won't afford." 

The municipality owes NamWater nearly N$33 million. 

"During our last public meetings, we informed the public why it is now a necessity that we have to obey and honour our usage because that is the same we are going to do with NamWater. NamWater has been lenient thus far; unfortunately, there comes a time when someone will say enough is enough, and that was the message we delivered to our public." 

All residents are urged to pay their bills before any disconnection is effected, as an extra reconnection fee of N$370 will be charged.