Isai Sipunga
In a firm stance against perceived injustice and financial mismanagement, Windhoek residents have issued a comprehensive set of demands to city officials, aiming to address longstanding grievances. They also want the Windhoek municipal council to take them into their confidence and restore community trust. “We no longer trust the City of Windhoek with anything. You have shown dishonesty in everything, except for the City Police service, and you haven’t even published your financial reports,” said the residents.
Electricity
Residents have criticised the City for allegedly persisting in blocking electricity meters due to overdue payments, despite a recent directive from the Electricity Control Board (ECB), declaring this practice illegal. They argue that this ongoing issue disproportionately affects households, businesses and religious institutions. The community has issued a stern ultimatum, demanding the immediate cessation of meter blockages within 48 hours. Residents have also expressed readiness to pursue legal action against imposed penalties, and have suggested alternative methods to bypass blocked meters, including engaging unemployed electricians.
Fraud
Central to residents’ concerns is the City’s BCX System, which they allege has led to inflated debts over the past three years. They are calling for a thorough audit of the system, emphasising the necessity for auditors to have unrestricted access to the IT billing infrastructure. Furthermore, they insist that the audit be conducted by an independent firm with no prior affiliations with the City of Windhoek. The perceived lack of transparency in financial reporting has exacerbated distrust among residents, prompting calls for immediate disclosure of the audit’s timeline, and for reports to be published by the BCX System provider.
Challenges
Residents have also highlighted disparities within the Build Together groups, particularly concerning pensioners who feel marginalised in debt relief initiatives due to stringent eligibility criteria set by the City. The Build Together model, established decades ago, is under scrutiny for perpetuating financial burdens and denying property ownership rights to long-term residents. Calls for transparency regarding Resolution 291/11/2024, which addresses debt relief, are accompanied by demands for a comprehensive review or overhaul of the current model to alleviate financial hardships and promote equity.
Response
In response to the concerns raised by the Katutura Residents Committee, the City has taken decisive steps, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Investigation
Acknowledging the gravity of the concerns outlined by the Katutura Residents Committee, the City has assembled a dedicated team to conduct a thorough investigation. Immediate actions include a comprehensive assessment of grievances such as the contentious issue of electricity meter blockages. This process involves meticulous data-collection and consultations with industry experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by residents.
Commitment
The City has pledged to maintain open and transparent communication channels throughout this process. Regular updates will be provided to the Katutura Residents Committee and the broader public to ensure stakeholders are informed about developments and actions taken.
Engagement
Furthermore, the City plans to engage directly with the community through various forums, including scheduled meetings and an upcoming press briefing. These initiatives aim to share findings from the investigation, and outline proposed measures to address identified issues.
Independent
In response to allegations surrounding its billing practices, particularly concerning the BCX System, the City has initiated an independent audit.
This audit, expected to span several months depending on its scope and complexity, aims to ensure transparency and accountability in financial operations. Following the audit, the City has committed to implementing recommended reforms aimed at enhancing the reliability and transparency of its billing processes.
Ongoing community engagement efforts will continue to uphold trust and responsiveness to community concerns.