Suzith Tjituara 

KEETMANSHOOP – The chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Economy has urged the Keetmanshoop Municipality and Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) to resolve their issues and reopen the Homs Ai Community Market.

Peter Kazongominja made the appeal during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in the southern town last week.

He was unambiguous, saying the market is a community development project established to create jobs and alleviate poverty.

“When we visited the project in 2023, there was no water and electricity, but at least some activities were ongoing. But when we were there yesterday (last Tuesday), it was completely shut down. Nida told us discussions with the municipality about the provision of prepaid water and electricity meters are underway. 

We need clarity from the municipality about the progress, and a sustainable solution,” said Kazongominja.

The market previously hosted a community radio station, food stalls, a restaurant, and beauty salons, but has been closed for over a year due to unresolved disputes over payment for water and electricity services.

Nida owes the municipality N$2.5 million.

Keetmanshoop Electricity Business Unit acting strategic executive Lee Mwemba, said the municipality and Nida have to decide on the way forward, specifically who will carry the cost of the accumulated debt before discussion on prepaid water and electricity meters can be entertained.

“Since December 2023, we have called on entities to come to us and enter into payment arrangements with us, but Nida has never shown interest in that regard, so we had to disconnect the electricity. If we give Nida electricity while it is not paying, someone else, the poorest of the poor, is subsidising that service to Nida. For the past four years, Nida has not paid anything and it is unfair to the residents of Keetmanshoop,” said Mwemba.

Furthermore, Nida was advised to apply to have the interest on its principal debt written off during the municipality’s amnesty period, which runs until May this year.

Rehoboth Urban constituency councillor Harald Kambrude, a committee member, also urged Nida to fulfil its financial obligations.

“One way is for Nida to start paying their account. It is their responsibility to do that, it is not the municipality’s responsibility to subsidise them. Nida, you have an obligation to the council and your tenants. 

I am also begging the line ministry to step in and ensure that Nida is doing what it needs to do, it is your baby,” he said.

The meeting was attended by officials from the municipality, Nida and the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade.

-Nampa