Governor under fire as water arrears balloon

Governor under fire as water arrears balloon KENYA KAMBOWE

Court action could be taken against the governor of the Ohangwena Region, Usko Nghaamwa, by the Helao Nafidi town council as part of the group of many defaulters who owe the council money.

This is according to Helao Nafidi mayor Eliaser Nghipangelwa, who told Namibian Sun upon enquiry that all those who owe the town council would be taken to task, including the influential persons in the region.

“Legal action can apply and we will take them all to court,” Nghipangelwa said.

A document seen by this publication shows that the Gift Shopping Centre situated in Ohangwena and owned by Nghaamwa is one of the many businesses that owe the council money for services rendered.

Gift Shopping Centre as by August was in arrears of N$167 752.75.

Nghipangelwa confirmed the matter saying that numerous letters were sent to the governor reminding him of his debt and that attempts were previously made to take Nghaamwa to court, which never came to fruition.

He said usually there has been no response from the governor to reminder letters that were sent but following the last communication that council sent to him and other defaulters this year that they will be taken to court for their debts , Nghaamwa indicated that he is in the process of preparing the payment.

The document shows the bill increases by N$1 066.91 monthly which means that by end of November the bill is expected to be close to N$171 000.

According to Nghaamwa who confirmed to Namibian Sun that the shopping centre belongs to him, he did not indicate that he is planning of paying off the debt saying that he will instead visit the council to discuss the matter of the debt.

Nghaamwa said that water to the centre was cut off about 20 years ago.

Nghaamwa further said he did not know whether his business had a water meter after he indicated that the Helao Nafidi Town Council has many faults when it comes to carrying out their operations.

“I am not staying there but the property is still mine. I do not know if there was or is a water meter and that’s why I will go talk to them,” he said.