Public anger flares over Henties prepaid water meters
The introduction of compulsory prepaid water meters in Henties Bay has triggered strong public backlash, with residents accusing the municipality of forcing an expensive system on them without consultation.
Last week, tensions escalated when frustrated community members confronted the Henties Bay municipality over the rollout of the new meters.
Many residents claim that the prepaid system effectively doubles their water costs and leaves them at risk of being cut off if municipal offices are closed.
Henties Bay CEO Ignasia Neis said the municipality ordered 3 500 prepaid water meters, which are being supplied through funding from the urban and rural development ministry, not from municipal funds.
She said the installation forms part of a broader plan to help settle the municipality’s N$10 million debt to NamWater.
“This way the municipality can focus on repaying NamWater, while residents regulate their own water use,” she explained.
Neis said the prepaid meters will allow residents to better manage their own consumption while ensuring that payments are made directly and immediately, reducing the risk of unpaid bills accumulating.
Public questions
Neis added that the system was also introduced in response to extensive water theft and meter tampering in the town.
“At one stage we couldn’t understand where the water was going. We later found out that people were bypassing the water meters completely. Some used dummy meters or connected pipes underground to draw water directly to their homes without it being recorded,” she explained.
Despite this, residents have condemned the move as unfair and unaffordable. Local calculations circulating online claim that prepaid users pay up to 80% more per kilolitre than before. Critics have also questioned why no public meetings or consultations were held before implementation.
Public notified, no interest
Nais said the municipality had issued a public notice before the change was implemented.
“A notice was sent out, but only a few attended the meeting,” she pointed out, adding that the municipality intends to hold a follow-up meeting with the community to clarify concerns.
The municipality maintains that the prepaid meters will be installed at every household in Henties Bay, regardless of neighbourhood, and insists that the change is necessary to bring water management under control and to clear the outstanding debt.
Last week, tensions escalated when frustrated community members confronted the Henties Bay municipality over the rollout of the new meters.
Many residents claim that the prepaid system effectively doubles their water costs and leaves them at risk of being cut off if municipal offices are closed.
Henties Bay CEO Ignasia Neis said the municipality ordered 3 500 prepaid water meters, which are being supplied through funding from the urban and rural development ministry, not from municipal funds.
She said the installation forms part of a broader plan to help settle the municipality’s N$10 million debt to NamWater.
“This way the municipality can focus on repaying NamWater, while residents regulate their own water use,” she explained.
Neis said the prepaid meters will allow residents to better manage their own consumption while ensuring that payments are made directly and immediately, reducing the risk of unpaid bills accumulating.
Public questions
Neis added that the system was also introduced in response to extensive water theft and meter tampering in the town.
“At one stage we couldn’t understand where the water was going. We later found out that people were bypassing the water meters completely. Some used dummy meters or connected pipes underground to draw water directly to their homes without it being recorded,” she explained.
Despite this, residents have condemned the move as unfair and unaffordable. Local calculations circulating online claim that prepaid users pay up to 80% more per kilolitre than before. Critics have also questioned why no public meetings or consultations were held before implementation.
Public notified, no interest
Nais said the municipality had issued a public notice before the change was implemented.
“A notice was sent out, but only a few attended the meeting,” she pointed out, adding that the municipality intends to hold a follow-up meeting with the community to clarify concerns.
The municipality maintains that the prepaid meters will be installed at every household in Henties Bay, regardless of neighbourhood, and insists that the change is necessary to bring water management under control and to clear the outstanding debt.
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