Katutura, Okahandja residents fed up with RedForce
Residents of Windhoek’s Katutura and Okahandja came together on Tuesday morning in a peaceful demonstration to demand the removal of RedForce, the debt collection agency appointed by both municipalities.
Central to their demands was the removal of RedForce. The residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the agency's practices, calling for a fairer and more transparent debt collection system or the removal of a middleman in the debt-collection process.
They also called for the clearance of water and electricity bills for pensioners and individuals affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The aggrieved communities argued that burdening those already facing financial hardships with mounting utility bills is unjust.
Another try
Led by Okahandja activist Seth Gariseb, as well as Benestus Kandundu, chairperson of the Katutura committee, the residents delivered a petition to mayor Joseph Uapingene of the City of Windhoek.
This marks the third petition submitted to the City of Windhoek by members of the community, emphasising their concerns and presenting specific requests.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Kandundu stated: "We have come here to share and indicate our problems to the City of Windhoek through a petition. The lack of response by the proposed deadline will leave us with no choice but to take further action. We will escalate the matter to the line minister of urban and rural development, Erastus Uutoni."
Complaints noted
Uapingene acknowledged the residents' grievances and expressed regret for the absence of his councillors during the event as a result of an ongoing management meeting that took place at the same time as the demonstration.
He assured the residents that their concerns would be addressed promptly and committed to responding before the proposed deadline of 7 July 2023.
The demonstration attracted a large number of residents from both communities who held up banners and placards outlining their grievances.
DOWN WITH REDFORCE: Residents of Katutura and Okahandja are calling for the removal of the debt collection agency, RedForce, and the clearing of the utility bills.
Photo: Jemimah Ndebele
Central to their demands was the removal of RedForce. The residents voiced their dissatisfaction with the agency's practices, calling for a fairer and more transparent debt collection system or the removal of a middleman in the debt-collection process.
They also called for the clearance of water and electricity bills for pensioners and individuals affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The aggrieved communities argued that burdening those already facing financial hardships with mounting utility bills is unjust.
Another try
Led by Okahandja activist Seth Gariseb, as well as Benestus Kandundu, chairperson of the Katutura committee, the residents delivered a petition to mayor Joseph Uapingene of the City of Windhoek.
This marks the third petition submitted to the City of Windhoek by members of the community, emphasising their concerns and presenting specific requests.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Kandundu stated: "We have come here to share and indicate our problems to the City of Windhoek through a petition. The lack of response by the proposed deadline will leave us with no choice but to take further action. We will escalate the matter to the line minister of urban and rural development, Erastus Uutoni."
Complaints noted
Uapingene acknowledged the residents' grievances and expressed regret for the absence of his councillors during the event as a result of an ongoing management meeting that took place at the same time as the demonstration.
He assured the residents that their concerns would be addressed promptly and committed to responding before the proposed deadline of 7 July 2023.
The demonstration attracted a large number of residents from both communities who held up banners and placards outlining their grievances.
DOWN WITH REDFORCE: Residents of Katutura and Okahandja are calling for the removal of the debt collection agency, RedForce, and the clearing of the utility bills.
Photo: Jemimah Ndebele
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