ONGWEDIVA – The Ongwediva Town Council will offer 100% waiver to residents and businesses on interest accumulated on outstanding account payments.

The defaulting residents will benefit from the gesture after the council decided to implement the programme as an incentive for residents to clear their arrears.

The mayor of Ongwediva, Tarah Shalyefu, said the programme came into effect on 1 July 2024, and will remain in force for two years up to 20 June 2026.

“The programme is applicable to all customers with arrears due to outstanding municipal services accounts, except government ministries and offices,” he stated.

He said the programme applies to all types of municipal services or accounts, irrespective of balances or periods involved.

Shalyefu indicated that the programme shall also be applied to outstanding accounts or balances that may surface after the effective date of the programme.

“Eligible clients with outstanding balances on their accounts may participate in the incentive programme, provided that they apply using approved application forms that are available at council offices,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to make arrangements for the settlement of the outstanding bills within two years, from 1 July 2024 to 30 June, next year.

The Council shall only waive the interest once the settlement agreement has been honoured arrears paid in full.

“The interest and capital charges to be applicable for the programme shall strictly be determined as on the date of entering a written agreement between the consumer and the council,” he said.

Shalyefu said interest on charges paid prior to the effective date of the programme will not be waived or refunded. –vkaapanda@nepc.com.na