Pensioners owe Keetmanshoop council close to N.dollars 7 million
The municipality’s Public Relations Officer, Dawn Kruger in a statement on Monday said as of the end of October 2021 the outstanding debt on the pensioners’ municipal accounts stood at N. dollars 6 794 130.23. Council obtained a list of registered pensioners from the Ministry of Labour as well as a list of deceased pensioners from the Ministry of Home Affairs…
KEETMANSHOOP, 06 DEC (NAMPA) – Pensioners at Keetmanshoop owe the municipality close to N.dollars 7 million in water and electricity bills.
The municipality’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dawn Kruger in a statement on Monday said as of the end of October 2021 the outstanding debt on the pensioners’ municipal accounts stood at N.dollars 6 794 130.23.
She said the municipality is currently, therefore, conducting an audit on all different categories of debt, citing that the pensioners’ category is the one that requires serious intervention.
“Family members are reluctant to inform council when a pensioner is deceased due to the benefit of reduced pensioner tariffs. Council obtained a list of registered pensioners from the Ministry of Labour as well as a list of deceased pensioners from the Ministry of Home Affairs that will be used during the verification processes,” she said.
She said the council approved an amnesty period of four months from 01 December 2021 to 31 March 2022 for family members to register all deceased pensioners owning properties in Keetmanshoop.
“Council also approved writing-off of all debt of deceased pensioners and subsequently, deactivation of municipal accounts from the date of registration. We will seek approval to write off the debt of deceased pensioners from our line ministry,” she added.
Kruger said the municipality will create municipal accounts in the name of appointed executors or responsible persons appointed by the family under oath on the date of registration.
Meanwhile, the PRO further said the municipality has taken a resolution to do a feasibility study on the underground water at the town for domestic consumption in order to reduce the quantity of water purchased from Namwater.
“We are rich in underground water that can be treated and utilised for domestic consumption, we intend to source expertise in water treatment and purification to analyse our current underground source. Council approved a feasibility study to that effect to be conducted and the feasibility study be submitted for a further recommendation based on the outcome,” added Kruger.
(NAMPA)
ST/EK/AS
