ONGWEDIVA – The Oshakati Town Council has urged its residents who find themselves in municipal arrears to visit the municipality to negotiate debt repayment.
During the press conference held at the town council’s offices the town’s chief executive officer Werner Iita invited all residents who owe the municipality money since 1993 to consult with municipal officials during the months of June and July, in order to discuss how best amicable solutions can be found between them and the local authority.
Iita however maintained that the exercise is not aimed at writing off any debt, but it is strictly for negotiation of repayment.
According to him, it is vital that residents use the given opportunity to register their status with the municipality so that they can be assisted.
He added that at the end of the negotiation period, the municipality would verify individual accounts.
“The aim of this invitation is for the council to see how best it will assist residents by engaging in one-on-one negotiations. Every resident will be negotiated with individually because situations differ from person to person.
“Council has noted that some residents enjoy the services from council but they find it difficult to contribute the little that is requested by the council for sustainability and continuity of the service rendered. It is therefore important that every resident of Oshakati whose service has been terminated due to the accumulation of arrears over the years visit the council’s office in order to find an amicable solution,” said Iita.
He reminded residents that the council would only be fully effective in service rendering if residents pay for their municipal services.
By Helvy Shaanika