Usakos: NamWater Water Supply Dispute Escalates Amid Debt & Rationing

• NamWater has initiated phased water rationing in Usakos, escalating to a full suspension in October, citing the Town Council's failure to agree on payment conditions.
• Usakos Town Council CEO Lesley Goraseb disputes NamWater's reason, attributing existing rationing to the utility's ailing infrastructure and constant breakdowns.
• The Usakos Town Council acknowledges an N$18 million debt to NamWater but proposed offsetting N$1.6 million owed to them by NamWater over three months during ongoing negotiations.
• The Council has invested in boreholes and maintains four reservoirs to ensure continued water supply to residents amidst the dispute.
• NamWater's rationing schedule includes daily suspensions from September 21-25, additional interruptions from September 28-October 5, and a full suspension from October 6-9.

The Usakos Town Council acknowledges an outstanding balance of N$18 million owed to NamWater, but proposed offsetting N$1.6 million that NamWater reportedly owes to the Council, suggesting this amount be applied against their outstanding account over a three-month period while negotiations continued.

The town of Usakos is currently grappling with a significant water supply crisis, as NamWater, the national water utility, has initiated a phased rationing program. This decision, announced by NamWater on a recent Saturday, commenced with initial restrictions the following day and is slated to escalate to a complete service suspension in October. NamWater attributes these measures to the Usakos Town Council's alleged failure to agree upon previously proposed conditions or offer an acceptable alternative resolution regarding outstanding payments.

However, Lesley Goraseb, the Chief Executive Officer of the Usakos Town Council, presents a contrasting narrative. He asserts that the ongoing water rationing is not primarily due to the town's financial obligations but rather stems from NamWater's own deteriorating infrastructure, which has led to frequent breakdowns and an unreliable water supply. Goraseb highlighted that Usakos residents have, in fact, been enduring water rationing for several months already, a situation he directly links to the utility's aging systems.

At the heart of the Usakos NamWater water supply dispute lies a substantial municipal water debt. The Usakos Town Council acknowledges an outstanding balance of N$18 million owed to NamWater. Despite this, Goraseb pointed out that other towns in Namibia carry even larger debts with the utility, suggesting a broader issue of Namibia municipal water debt. The Council had put forward a proposal to offset N$1.6 million that NamWater reportedly owes to the Council, suggesting this amount be applied against their outstanding account over a three-month period while negotiations continued.

Goraseb expressed frustration, stating that NamWater proceeded to announce the latest rationing measures to the media while active negotiations were still underway between the two parties. He viewed this public announcement as an inappropriate step, given the ongoing dialogue aimed at resolving the financial and service delivery issues. The utility's notice, however, indicates that the phased reduction and suspension of water supply will persist until all outstanding matters are resolved and a formal, acceptable arrangement is reached.

In response to the unpredictable supply from NamWater, the Usakos Town Council has proactively invested in alternative water sources and infrastructure to bolster its resilience. This includes the development of boreholes, which are currently providing water to the town. Furthermore, the Usakos Town Council water infrastructure boasts four reservoirs; two are actively being utilized for water storage, while the remaining two are held in reserve. Goraseb confirmed that one reservoir located behind his office and another situated towards the town area are both operational, ensuring a degree of continued water provision to the community.

NamWater's detailed rationing schedule outlines a progressive escalation of service interruptions. The first phase, from September 21 to 25, involves daily water suspensions between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM. The second phase, running from September 28 to October 5, will introduce an additional daily interruption from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The most severe measure, a full NamWater service suspension Namibia, is planned from October 6 to 9. The utility has advised affected residents and institutions to prepare by increasing water storage and conserving water, while assuring that critical facilities like health centers, schools, and hostels will receive water tanker services as needed.

The ongoing NamWater Usakos rationing legal dispute highlights the complex interplay between municipal debt, infrastructure maintenance, and essential service provision in Namibia. While NamWater frames its actions as a consequence of the Council's non-compliance with payment arrangements, the Usakos Town Council points to systemic issues with the utility's infrastructure as the root cause of the supply instability. This conflict raises questions about contractual obligations and the legal grounds for service suspension, especially when alternative proposals for debt resolution were reportedly under discussion.

The Council's significant investment in boreholes and reservoirs underscores its commitment to ensuring residents' access to water despite the challenges with bulk supply. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the NamWater service suspension Namibia, demonstrating the Council's efforts to maintain essential services. The resolution of this dispute will likely set a precedent for how similar conflicts between the national water utility and local authorities are managed across the country, particularly concerning the balance between financial accountability and the provision of critical public services.

Lawyers advising businesses or residents in Usakos should assess the legal grounds for NamWater's water rationing and the Usakos Council's claims, particularly regarding contractual obligations, potential for injunctive relief, or claims for damages due to service disruption. Compliance officers should review business continuity plans for operations in the affected region, considering the precedent this dispute sets for essential service provision and municipal debt management in Namibia.

Source: Original reporting via New Era