GROOTFONTEIN - The leadership of the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) in the Otjozondjupa region yesterday condemned the Grootfontein Municipality’s decision to engage the Redforce debt collectors to collect its arrears.

SPYL regional secretary Alfeus Kamati in a media statement seen by Nampa said the Redforce Debt Management has gained notoriety for its exploitative practices, which disregard the welfare of the residents wherever engaged.

“Their pursuit of profits, primarily through the excessive interest charges on top of the already accumulated debts, is morally reprehensible,” said Kamati.

This decision of the municipality exacerbates the plight of the already financially burdened residents.

“Therefore, we as SPYL Otjozondjupa would like to call upon the Grootfontein Municipality to terminate its contract with Redforce Debt Management, and to prioritise some respectful debt-collection methods which take into account the economic circumstances of the residents, while at the same time still ensuring the municipality’s fiscal ability,” said Kamati.

Acting CEO of the Grootfontein Municipality, Indileni Lungameni, yesterday maintained that RedForce will continue to collect debts on behalf of the municipality, which amounts to over N$211 million.

Grootfontein has more than 6 000 households that pay rates and taxes, he said. -Nampa