Windhoek municipality's billing system under the microscope
Civil case continues in High Court on Thursday
Community activists have called on alleged victims of the City of Windhoek's 'defective billing system' to attend court proceedings.
A civil case brought by disgruntled Windhoek citizens regarding the City of Windhoek's calculation and collection methods for water and electricity service levies will be heard by Windhoek High Court judge Hannelie Prinsloo next Thursday.
The City Council and all its councillors, including the CEO, the chief financial officer, the auditor-general, the Electricity Control Board (ECB), the Registrar of Deeds, the Master of the High Court and the urban and rural development minister, have been listed as respondents.
Community activist Shaun Gariseb is calling on all "victims" of the City of Windhoek's "defective billing system" to be present in court on Thursday at 14:00 to support the plaintiffs and their legal team.
He believes the municipality is robbing Windhoek residents through irregular levies and then handing them over to allegedly unlawfully appointed debt collectors.
He referred to a recent notice from the municipality, which he has argued serves as an acknowledgement of debt.
Alleged proof
The municipality last Wednesday stated: "We are addressing issues related to electricity meters that reflect estimated consumption due to the inability to obtain actual meter readings."
The notice further stated: "The necessary corrections will be made to ensure accurate and regular meter readings going forward."
In response, Gariseb said: "We already know they are charging us too much, because even when we close our homes for the entire December, our bills come out as if people are still living in an empty house."
He also noted the ECB's order that prepaid power supply should not be cut off, which municipal officials are allegedly ignoring.
Furthermore, Gariseb has insisted that the outcome of an investigation into Windhoek's municipal billing system should be made public and that residents should be informed of how much will be refunded to each person.
This week’s civil status trial continues while the Namibian police are investigating a criminal complaint.
Last year, when Gariseb and other Windhoek residents filed a case with the Namibian police, he urged fellow "victims" to also go to their nearest police station to give statements.
This week’s case was postponed from 28 November to this week due to the eighth plaintiff, Anna Januarie's, application for legal aid. The Directorate of Legal Aid appointed Henry Shimutwikeni as her legal representative. Shimutwikeni also represents Elizabeth Beukes.
The other residents who approached the High Court are Meriam Uiras, Pinehas Gaiseb, Eben Gomeb, Bernard Murere, Dorothea Nanus, and Katrina Shivute.
– [email protected]
The City Council and all its councillors, including the CEO, the chief financial officer, the auditor-general, the Electricity Control Board (ECB), the Registrar of Deeds, the Master of the High Court and the urban and rural development minister, have been listed as respondents.
Community activist Shaun Gariseb is calling on all "victims" of the City of Windhoek's "defective billing system" to be present in court on Thursday at 14:00 to support the plaintiffs and their legal team.
He believes the municipality is robbing Windhoek residents through irregular levies and then handing them over to allegedly unlawfully appointed debt collectors.
He referred to a recent notice from the municipality, which he has argued serves as an acknowledgement of debt.
Alleged proof
The municipality last Wednesday stated: "We are addressing issues related to electricity meters that reflect estimated consumption due to the inability to obtain actual meter readings."
The notice further stated: "The necessary corrections will be made to ensure accurate and regular meter readings going forward."
In response, Gariseb said: "We already know they are charging us too much, because even when we close our homes for the entire December, our bills come out as if people are still living in an empty house."
He also noted the ECB's order that prepaid power supply should not be cut off, which municipal officials are allegedly ignoring.
Furthermore, Gariseb has insisted that the outcome of an investigation into Windhoek's municipal billing system should be made public and that residents should be informed of how much will be refunded to each person.
This week’s civil status trial continues while the Namibian police are investigating a criminal complaint.
Last year, when Gariseb and other Windhoek residents filed a case with the Namibian police, he urged fellow "victims" to also go to their nearest police station to give statements.
This week’s case was postponed from 28 November to this week due to the eighth plaintiff, Anna Januarie's, application for legal aid. The Directorate of Legal Aid appointed Henry Shimutwikeni as her legal representative. Shimutwikeni also represents Elizabeth Beukes.
The other residents who approached the High Court are Meriam Uiras, Pinehas Gaiseb, Eben Gomeb, Bernard Murere, Dorothea Nanus, and Katrina Shivute.
– [email protected]
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