The City of Windhoek has announced a debt relief programme for eligible residents and businesses, totalling N$524 million.

A press release issued on Tuesday by City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya stated that the programme will offer 100% interest cancellation for pensioners, and 50% interest cancellation for businesses, residential debtors and other debtors. It will start in 2024.

“The council hopes that this programme will help residents cope with their bills, and encourage regular payments. The debt relief programme comes after the City’s Debt Book rose from N$ 677 million in 2018 to N$ 1.2 billion in 2023. In 2018, the council had also granted a debt write-off of N$ 191 million for pensioners and vulnerable residents. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the financial situation of many residents, leading to more unpaid bills,” she said. Amutenya added that  today at 19h00, the City will be officially switching on the annual Christmas lights, marking the start of the holiday season for Windhoek residents. - Nampa