Ondangwa writes off over N$660 000 in interest
213 residents clear accounts
The town council has resolved to waive 100% of the accumulated interest if defaulters pay off their accounts between October 2023 and September 2024.
In an effort to recover monies owed to it by residents, the Ondangwa town council has introduced a debt incentive initiative which saw around 213 defaulters clearing their accounts.
According to spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho, the council wrote off N$665 146 in interest from the accounts.
This emanates from an ordinary council meeting, held on 27 July 2023, where a motion was passed that the town council would waive 100% of the accumulated interest if defaulters pay off their accounts between October 2023 and September 2024.
“So far, 213 account holders have benefitted from this initiative, with N$665 146 in interest being written off for a period of three months.”
Covid-19 impact
Shitalangaho said the council has taken note of the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which explains why some residents are unable to settle their monthly accounts.
“The council’s debts have increased rapidly due to economic downturn coupled with the severe effects of Covid-19,” she explained.
“Council has taken note that some residents lost their employment and income and businesses have closed or retrenched some of their employees, limiting households’ incomes and purchasing power and, in turn, residents' ability to pay for their municipal services in full.
“The programme is still running and applicable to all account holders classified as domestic and commercial, as well as non-profit organisations, community-based organisations, churches and private institutions.
The programme is, however, not applicable to government offices, ministries and agencies or state-owned enterprises, Shitalangaho explained.
She encouraged those who have defaulted to settle their accounts and benefit from the programme.
“Our wishes are that our residents and account holders take this initiative seriously and try to settle their principal debts within the stipulated time,” she said.
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According to spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho, the council wrote off N$665 146 in interest from the accounts.
This emanates from an ordinary council meeting, held on 27 July 2023, where a motion was passed that the town council would waive 100% of the accumulated interest if defaulters pay off their accounts between October 2023 and September 2024.
“So far, 213 account holders have benefitted from this initiative, with N$665 146 in interest being written off for a period of three months.”
Covid-19 impact
Shitalangaho said the council has taken note of the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which explains why some residents are unable to settle their monthly accounts.
“The council’s debts have increased rapidly due to economic downturn coupled with the severe effects of Covid-19,” she explained.
“Council has taken note that some residents lost their employment and income and businesses have closed or retrenched some of their employees, limiting households’ incomes and purchasing power and, in turn, residents' ability to pay for their municipal services in full.
“The programme is still running and applicable to all account holders classified as domestic and commercial, as well as non-profit organisations, community-based organisations, churches and private institutions.
The programme is, however, not applicable to government offices, ministries and agencies or state-owned enterprises, Shitalangaho explained.
She encouraged those who have defaulted to settle their accounts and benefit from the programme.
“Our wishes are that our residents and account holders take this initiative seriously and try to settle their principal debts within the stipulated time,” she said.
[email protected]
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