WINDHOEK – The City of Windhoek municipality’s Community Development Department has distanced itself from the conflict among 250 Twahangana residents whose water and prepaid electricity services have been disconnected for a week over an N$150 000 municipal debt.
Last Friday, residents of Twahangana – situated in Greenwell Matongo – were aggressive towards municipal officials for cutting off their power for alleged non-payment for utilities. However, New Era understands that some community members of Twahangana, who approached municipality to cut power for some residents who failed to pay the monthly N$25 for municipal services, instigated the power cut.
The power cut caused tension among the residents leading to a scuffle outside the municipality building. The scuffle ensued between those who settled their monthly municipal fee but became victims of the dark night. The Twahangana community has a combined municipal debt of approximately N$150 000. The leader of the group, Werner Nghidinwa, says the problem was caused by mistrust among the residents as they are divided into two groups and thus have two committees that deal with receiving municipal monthly fees.
“We are the official committee in the area. Now, other members have parted ways to create their own committee causing problems as they are now trying to disturb peace in the community. We have proof of payment, and we are surprised why all of a sudden we are accused of not paying,” reiterated Nghidinwa.
However, the municipality’ spokesperson at the community development department James Kalundu, who addressed the aggrieved residents that approached him with proof of payment, advised them to settle their payment issues among themselves as municipality is not aware of the existence of two committees. He added that it was not the first time Twahangana residents have approached municipality for similar cases resulting from non-payments.
“You know yourselves and it is up to the two committees to come together to pinpoint who didn’t pay and put together the money so that municipality can reconnect the power, we cannot do anything without the payments. You can quarrel the whole day here but the fact remains you awe municipality N$150 000. My advice to you is just to make up and pay,” said Kalundu.
Twahangana community has close to 250 plots and has only one municipal account to which all residents make individual monthly payments for the usage of water and electricity.