Oshakati Town Council has announced a plan to write off debts of residents who have died 20 years ago, or have died while owing the municipality money now dating back to 20 years ago.
This decision was made after the town council made an observation that over 147 residential accounts belonging to deceased persons are in arrears, amounting to a total of N$5 million.
These accounts, which have been classified as “bad debts” include charges for water usage, rates and taxes, refuse removal, fire brigade services, and sewerage, which have accumulated over many years.
Oshakati’s spokesperson Ms Katarina Kamari said that this initiative will provide relief to families struggling to settle these accounts and to ensure they can move forward without the added stress of inherited financial obligations,
“The initiative will take effect from February 2025 and includes all residential municipal accounts of deceased persons, regardless of the amount accumulated,” Kamari said.
“The debt write-off applies strictly to accounts in arrears that are confirmed to belong to deceased persons, following verification processes to ensure transparency and accountability.”
Kamari pointed out that, to qualify, the account must be in the name of the deceased and be in arrears for more than 20 years at the time of this exercise.
“Families of the deceased are encouraged to visit the Oshakati Town Council between 25 February 2025 and 31 March 2025, with the death certificate and ID of the account holder, as well as the particulars of the executors.
“The benefit of this initiative is to provide financial relief to families, enable the transfer of properties to new owners, and to facilitate access to water and other municipal services.
“Residents are urged to apply for the reconnection of water on these accounts, as most have been disconnected due to arrears.
“The Oshakati Town Council understands the difficulties that families face after the loss of a loved one and believes that this measure will provide much-needed relief.
“This decision aligns with the Council’s mission to serve the residents of Oshakati with compassion and fairness.”
In the photo: Ms Katarina Kamari, spokesperson of Oshakati.
