Max Henrich
ONGWEDIVA – Oshakati Town Council has urged customers struggling to settle their municipal accounts to approach the local authority before any payment deadlines to negotiate possible payment arrangements and avoid service disconnections.
Corporate Communications Officer Martin Kapuka said the council is willing to engage customers experiencing financial difficulties and consider payment arrangements or requests for postponement, depending on individual circumstances and applicable procedures.
The appeal comes as council continues implementing monthly credit control measures against customers with overdue accounts.
Kapuka clarified that the disconnection exercise communicated for throughout of October 2026 is not a once-off initiative, but part of council’s established Credit Control Policy.
“Customers are informed about their payment obligations and the consequences of non-payment through their monthly municipal accounts. Council also uses SMS notifications where applicable to communicate with customers,” he said.
Kapuka encouraged residents and businesses facing financial difficulties to contact Council before their services are disconnected.
“Communication is key,” he said, stressing the importance of engaging council early to discuss available options.
“Credit control measures apply to both residential and business customers, with no specific category automatically exempt from the process,” he said.
Council is owed approximately N$62 million for municipal services, including rates and taxes, sewerage and water-related services.
However, Kapuka said water-related arrears represent a relatively small portion of the overall outstanding debt, and Council could not provide a separate figure for unpaid water accounts.
He urged customers to take responsibility for their municipal accounts and seek assistance before their outstanding balances result in service interruptions.
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