Keetmanshoop Town Council is embarking on an aggressive campaign to recover outstanding municipal water debt, running into millions of dollars.

Residents, government institutions, and businesses owe the town council a combined total of N$212 million in unpaid water bills.

Keetmanshoop acting CEO Lee Mwembe revealed that residents have racked up water bills of N$127 million, while government institutions and businesses owe N$85 million.

Figures also show that, of the more than N$9,000 active customers, only N$2,257 are currently paying their monthly water bills.

McDonald Hanse, the Mayor of Keetmanshoop, says, "Starting from November 6, 2023, we will suspend all unpaid business, government, and institutional municipal accounts. I repeat business, government, and institutional municipal accounts. All accounts not paid by November 3 will face suspension of their services. This means that if your account is not settled on time, your water and electricity services will be temporarily cut off. We understand the challenges many businesses and organisations face, but it is crucial for us that everyone contribute their fair share to maintain the services we all depend on."

Hanse revealed that municipal officials and councillors, who are in default with their municipal accounts, will also have their water and electricity supply disconnected starting on December 3.

Following consultations, the disconnection of water and electricity supply to ordinary residents will be implemented in January 2024.