By Emma Kakololo
WINDHOEK
The City of Windhoek’s decision to increase tariffs was finally gazetted on August 1, and residents started paying the new tariffs with immediate effect.
Water consumption charges went up by 9 percent, refuse removal by 3.5 percent, sewerage by 12 percent, assessment rates by 8 percent and electricity by an effective 15,8 percent.
The low-income households are severely affected, as they now pay on average 11% more on their municipal bills, while the middle-income household is 10.5% more, and the high-income household is 10.7%.
The City’s spokesperson, Elizabeth Sibindi, on Monday confirmed the promulgation in the Government Gazette, saying: “It was gazetted on August 1, 2007 in Gazette Number 3887, so residents have started paying the new tariffs now.”
Justifying the Windhoek City Council’s decision on June 20, the chairperson of the Management Committee, Bjorn von Finckenstein, said the City was left with no option but to increase its tariffs for it to be able to render services and to produce a balanced budget.
Factors prompting the increase, he pointed out, were the effects of rising interest rates on finance charges, the impact of rising fuel prices, indications from bulk suppliers – NamWater and NamPower – to increase the prices of water and electricity respectively, and rises in the inflation rate leading to an increase in the costs of services.
Von Finckenstein maintained that the tariffs of the City of Windhoek were still affordable compared to similar services or products provided by private and public sectors as well as other local authorities.
“The price of electricity per unit is the lowest compared to the tariffs of other local authorities and the REDs that are in existence.
“The price of refuse removal is also cheaper than that charged by other local authorities and the private sector.
“Property tax compares favourably with other local authorities, especially if one considers that the City Police is also funded from that income; and water, as well as its provision, too.”
He urged residents to pay their municipal bills saying the City would strictly apply its credit control policy.