Swakop offers debt relief for pensioners
Municipality takes compassionate step
The Swakopmund municipality has resolved to write off the irrecoverable debts of pensioners.
The Swakopmund municipality has resolved to write off pensioner debts exceeding N$2 000 over a 90-day period.
The current balance of the bad debt provision (impairment) amounts to N$7.1 million.
The municipality said it understands that unforeseen circumstances can arise, impacting the elderly’s ability to fulfil their financial obligations.
However, it is still committed to finding amicable solutions for the settlement of outstanding bills.
Financial hardship
Swakopmund municipal councillor Blasius !Goraseb said arrears on municipal services have skyrocketed as a result of Covid-19 and other economic factors.
"The senior citizens of Swakopmund, who have contributed significantly to our community over the years, are facing financial challenges due to their meagre monthly allowance of N$1 350 from the central government. This allowance is not sufficient to cover their basic needs, including housing, utilities, and other essential services."
!Goraseb said the council acknowledges the financial hardship faced by senior citizens due to their scant monthly allowance.
"The municipality recognises the importance of supporting and caring for its senior citizens, ensuring their well-being, dignity and quality of life in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Address challenge
He said the disconnection of the water supply for defaulting senior citizens presents an inconvenience for senior citizens.
"Other municipalities in Namibia and around the world have implemented similar initiatives to alleviate the financial burden on senior citizens," he said.
"Therefore it is resolved that the Swakopmund municipal council prioritise the installation of prepaid water meters for identified and qualifying senior citizens in order to circumvent future reoccurrence of arrears on municipal accounts," he added.
To this end, the council has issued a notice inviting Swakopmund's pensioners to submit official or police declarations stating their reasons for or difficulties in making payments.
Pensioners are required to provide a police declaration accompanied by proof of a pension grant, a certified ID copy, and a municipal statement.
All documentation must be placed in the white-labelled 'Pensioners Box' next to enquiries or at the information desk at the municipal headquarters.
Account holders can also email their certified documents to [email protected].
Documents are to be submitted by 22 September between 08:00 and 16:00.
The current balance of the bad debt provision (impairment) amounts to N$7.1 million.
The municipality said it understands that unforeseen circumstances can arise, impacting the elderly’s ability to fulfil their financial obligations.
However, it is still committed to finding amicable solutions for the settlement of outstanding bills.
Financial hardship
Swakopmund municipal councillor Blasius !Goraseb said arrears on municipal services have skyrocketed as a result of Covid-19 and other economic factors.
"The senior citizens of Swakopmund, who have contributed significantly to our community over the years, are facing financial challenges due to their meagre monthly allowance of N$1 350 from the central government. This allowance is not sufficient to cover their basic needs, including housing, utilities, and other essential services."
!Goraseb said the council acknowledges the financial hardship faced by senior citizens due to their scant monthly allowance.
"The municipality recognises the importance of supporting and caring for its senior citizens, ensuring their well-being, dignity and quality of life in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Address challenge
He said the disconnection of the water supply for defaulting senior citizens presents an inconvenience for senior citizens.
"Other municipalities in Namibia and around the world have implemented similar initiatives to alleviate the financial burden on senior citizens," he said.
"Therefore it is resolved that the Swakopmund municipal council prioritise the installation of prepaid water meters for identified and qualifying senior citizens in order to circumvent future reoccurrence of arrears on municipal accounts," he added.
To this end, the council has issued a notice inviting Swakopmund's pensioners to submit official or police declarations stating their reasons for or difficulties in making payments.
Pensioners are required to provide a police declaration accompanied by proof of a pension grant, a certified ID copy, and a municipal statement.
All documentation must be placed in the white-labelled 'Pensioners Box' next to enquiries or at the information desk at the municipal headquarters.
Account holders can also email their certified documents to [email protected].
Documents are to be submitted by 22 September between 08:00 and 16:00.
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