The Minister of Urban and Rural Development has warned that water and electricity supplies to defaulting municipal customers may soon be disconnected, as the ministry prepares to tackle the countrywide crisis of damaged roads caused by heavy rains.

James Sankwasa was responding to concerns raised by Swapo Party MP Tobie Aupindi, who described the potholes as having evolved into ponds.

Dr. Aupindi warned that the current state of roads poses a risk to both motorists and pedestrians, adding that the government could face lawsuits should private property, such as vehicles, be damaged or, even worse, if lives are lost due to inaction.

"It was asked, but my question is that as the minister responsible for the local authority system under the devolution policy of the government, has the minister noticed this scenario, and has the minister taken action pertaining to that? I know that usually the local authorities, by extension, cite that it's not sustainable or viable to carry out this renovation."

Sankwasa cited a lack of funding, holding liability, and the financial strain on municipalities, which are owed millions by residents and some government ministries.

He stressed that the collection of these overdue payments is needed to fund road repairs.

"But I must put it on record here that municipalities are owed huge amounts of money by ministries and even by some of the members in this house for not paying their water and electricity bills. So when we embark on the repair, I must send a warning that we will cut off supplies, whether you are a politician, when we start with the repairs."