Rundu bets on prepaid water to tackle N$300m NamWater debt

The Rundu Town Council has formally launched its prepaid water metering system, a change from traditional billing to a more sustainable, cost-recovery-based strategy aimed at slashing the town&#039;s N$300 million debt to NamWater.Speaking at the official launch in Tutungeni last week, council acting CEO Fransiska Kupembona said the transition to prepaid metering was not only strategic but essential.“We are not shy to say that we have over N$300 million owed to NamWater. Therefore, the prepaid water system is one of many plans the council is implementing this financial year to stabilise our operations,” Kupembona said.Phase one of the prepaid system roll-out, which was kickstarted on 7 February, has seen installations completed in Safari and Nkarapamwe and is currently underway in Tutungeni. To date, 1 021 households have been connected: 438 in Safari, 196 in Nkarapamwe and 387 in Tutungeni, with more installations ongoing.Kupembona revealed that council is investing approximately N$6.9 million into phase one of the project, underlining the cost-intensive nature of the transformation. Despite this, she expressed confidence in the project’s long-term benefits.“This programme is not optional, it is compulsory. We are installing one prepaid meter per property, including residential, business and industrial premises, free of charge,” she explained.Vital turnaround The current tariff structure for prepaid water consumption ranges from N$16 per cubic metre for pensioners to N$34.72 for government institutions. Notably, a 70/30 repayment model has been introduced for customers in arrears; 30% of any payment goes toward debt while 70% covers water consumption.Kupembona further emphasised that disconnected properties would not be reconnected without a 30% debt payment and an additional N$600 reconnection fee.Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka praised the initiative, calling it a vital turning point for the council’s financial recovery and service delivery.“The council owes a substantial amount to NamWater, which has hampered service delivery. The prepaid system will allow for cost recovery and improved budgeting both for the council and its residents,” said Hambyuka.He added that prepaid meters promote financial discipline and help avoid unexpected billing shocks. “This is a wake-up call. If you buy N$1 000 worth of water, N$300 goes to your debt and the remaining N$700 to your consumption. It’s that simple.”Make town shine Hambyuka also encouraged residents to participate in upcoming community meetings related to the council’s 2025/2026 budget, urging them to take ownership of Rundu’s development.Rundu mayor Gabriel Kanyanga echoed similar sentiments, applauding the council’s commitment to fiscal discipline and sustainability.The event concluded with a symbolic connection at the residence of former deputy minister of education Faustina Caley, who welcomed the prepaid initiative.“We’re proud residents who pay our dues. Just give us what we owe you and we’ll pay. We want to make this town shine,” Caley said.phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Rundu bets on prepaid water to tackle N$300m NamWater debt

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

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Rundu bets on prepaid water to tackle N$300m NamWater debt

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

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