Keetmanshoop Mayor Emrico Blaauw has dismissed media reports claiming that the municipality is bankrupt and unable to pay workers' October salaries.

The municipality generates revenue from services rendered to residents and businesses.

“To say the municipality is bankrupt—I would not really agree with that, because that would mean none of the Keetmanshoop residents are paying their rates and taxes, buying electricity, or paying for water.”

Blaauw said the current council, which has been in office for less than a year, inherited an outstanding debt of N$95 million to NamWater. 

He said the debt has since been reduced to N$83 million.

The Mayor added that the Council is consulting on ways to settle the outstanding debt and prevent a possible water supply disconnection due to non-payment.

“Since taking office, we have observed a significant decline in payments, according to the water department. As a result, we are not collecting enough revenue to settle this account. I would also like to use this opportunity to encourage residents and businesses to pay their accounts on time. Remember, the municipality is not a non-profit organisation. We have to pay for the services we receive and provide services to the community. The water you receive must also be paid for.”

Blaauw further said the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has availed funds for water meters, with the first batch already delivered.

He added that the municipality is expediting the procurement process to ensure the meters are installed.