The town of Aranos in the Hardap Region owes the Namibia Water Utility (NAMWATER) and electricity supplier NamPower a combined N$15 million. The town's chief executive officer (CEO), Susanna Visser informs NBC News that the town took over an already ageing debt from electricity service provider SELCO. Aranos has a population of about 16 000 inhabitants, mostly unemployed youth. “Many youths worked on nearby commercial farms. Unfortunately, due to the persistent drought, many farmers had to lay off their workers and they were forced to return, as a result.” The increase in the town's population also forms part of the increasing usage of water and electricity. “Most of the people are unemployed but we can also not deny them basic services," Visser says.