Otjiwarongo residents have appealed to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, to consider relaxing and writing off outstanding water bills, taxes, and rates owed by pensioners and vulnerable community members.

A resident said the current tariffs and accumulating interest on water, rates, and taxes have become unaffordable for many households. 

He added that the government should introduce a Municipal Pensioners Relief Programme to provide discounted tariffs, exemption from penalties, and lower interest rates on overdue payments.

Other issues raised with the minister included concerns over the municipality's chief executive officer's salary, alleged double allocation of plots, and calls for a forensic audit of the municipal financial system.

Another community member questioned salary irregularities within the municipality, alleging that some contract workers receive inflated payments but are instructed to withdraw only a portion of the amount deposited into their accounts.

Approached for comment, Otjiwarongo Municipality's Chief Executive Officer, Mberipura Hifitikeko, said the allegations about his salary are unfounded as payments are regulated, while stating that allegations about employees being told to only withdraw part of their salaries are being investigated.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development has stated he will return to Otjiwarongo after studying the grievances from the community.