OSHAKATI – In a bid to ease the financial burden on families, the Oshakati Town Council has written off all outstanding debts on municipal accounts registered under the names of deceased residents.
Oshakati Town Council spokesperson Katrina Kamari told this publication that the decision was made during a council meeting last November.
It takes effect this month.
“The council identified over 147 residential accounts belonging to deceased individuals, with arrears totalling N$5 million. These debts, classified as ‘bad debts’, include unpaid charges for water, rates and taxes, refuse removal, fire brigade services and sewerage,” she said.
She noted that the initiative aims to provide relief to families struggling with inherited financial obligations, and facilitate the smooth transfer of properties to new owners.
It enables families to reconnect water and other municipal services that were previously cut off due to arrears.
“To ensure transparency, the debt write-off will only apply to accounts that meet specific criteria. The account must be in the name of a deceased individual, and must have been in arrears for over 20 years at the time of this exercise. The verification process will ensure all qualifying accounts are properly identified,” Kamari added.
She said families wishing to benefit from this initiative must visit the Oshakati Town Council offices between 25 February 2025 and 31 March 2025 with the death certificate and identification of the deceased account holder, as well as the ID and contact details of the estate executor.
The council has committed to notifying affected families but encourages those who believe they qualify to approach the council for assistance.