Chelva Wells
The Rehoboth Town Council (RTC) has written off N$26 million related to the alienation scheme for 609 houses and erven in Block E.
The debt write-off addresses long-standing arrears under the alienation scheme, which had delayed property ownership for affected residents.
RTC spokesperson Desire Pieters shared this during an information-sharing session at the government information centre on Friday.
She said the financial difficulties many families faced had stalled formal transfer processes, and created ongoing uncertainty about their property rights.
The council will cover transfer costs amounting to N$56 000 to assist in facilitating the legal processes necessary for residents to gain full ownership of their homes.
“The council noted that this step is crucial for resolving disputes and finalising property transfers that have lingered for several years,” she said.
She stated that further measures include the installation of new prepaid meters for water and electricity at the 609 properties to help residents better manage their utility consumption, allowing them to pay for services in advance.
The prepaid system aligns with broader goals of improving resource management and preventing future debt accumulation linked to utilities.
“The alienation scheme for Block E had been set up to help residents secure land tenure, but faced obstacles due to unpaid debts. Residents struggled with uncertainty, and financial constraints impacted the progress of property transfers. The council’s decision to write off the debt and provide support for legal fees seeks to resolve these issues, offering a clearer path to homeownership,” she affirmed.
Pieters further discussed other financial issues the council faces, including unpaid debt to service providers like NamWater and Nampower.
These challenges form part of the council’s operational difficulties and are receiving the necessary attention to improve the council’s overall performance.
“The debt write-off for the alienation scheme is part of ongoing efforts to improve financial stability and service delivery for Rehoboth’s residents,” she said.
-Nampa