The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Carl Schlettwein, says a request to write off debts of N$56 million by two town councils could cripple NamWater.

The request was made by the Okakarara and Otavi town councils for debt incurred due to poor revenue collection from rates and taxes.

Schlettwein said it's not a feasible decision to write off debt as it would financially cripple the water utility.

Namwater is owed N$637 million in debt. Of this, Okakarara and Otavi owe more than N$14 million and N$41 million, respectively.