Khomas Residents Petition City of Windhoek for Pensioner Debt Relief and Service Reform

Khomas Residents Petition City of Windhoek for Pensioner Debt Relief and Service Reform. The Khomas Ratepayers and Residents Association today submitted a petition to the City of Windhoek, calling for urgent reforms in debt management and municipal service delivery, particularly concerning pensioners. The handover took place at the Katutura Customer Care Centre, where residents gathered to present their demands to city officials.

Reading the petition on behalf of the Association, spokesperson Shaun Gariseb appealed for the cancellation of municipal debts, including both capital and interest, owed by pensioners. He also called for the removal of the requirement for pensioners to switch to prepaid utility systems as a condition for accessing debt relief.

Gariseb further urged the City to extend debt relief to residents living in the 43 Build-Together housing schemes, many of whom are pensioners. He noted that the Build-Together model no longer meets community needs and that residents are seeking full home ownership with title deeds.

The petition also recommended that the City integrate its debt management and electricity departments, particularly regarding electricity bypass fines, and proposed allowing such fines to be paid in instalments. Additionally, the Association asked the City to stop outsourcing debt collection to Redforce, citing concerns over high costs.

The petition was received by Acting Chief Executive Officer O’Brien Ekandjo, who thanked the residents for engaging through formal channels. He acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed that efforts are underway to improve service delivery, including integration of internal systems.

Ekandjo reiterated the City’s need to recover service costs to remain operational but assured the public that the petition would be reviewed thoroughly. A formal response is expected within two working days, as requested by the Association.