Debts owed by pensioners and the poor

MR DANIËL GARISEB, ADVISOR TO THE SENIOR CITIZENS MOVEMENT, MARIENTAL WRITES:

Request to Mr. Paul Nghiwilepo, CEO of Mariental Municipality to write off bad debts owed by pensioners and the poor:

Our theme is Ps. 7:9: “Do not cast me away in times of my old age, do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”

As a community activist and also as advisor to the late Mr. Benjamin Jagger and advisor to the Senior Citizens Movement, Mariental Committee, Hardap Region, I hereby would like to bring the above mentioned matter under your attention.

I have observed with dismay that most municipalities and town/village councils are still forcing the pensioners and the poor to settle their municipal debts without considering the financial difficulties these members of the society are facing or going through.

In November 2011, pensioners’ debts equalled 31.5% of the total outstanding debts residents owed the Mariental Municipality. Recommendations were made in the management committee meeting held on October 27th, which was confirmed and approved by full council in the same month. The council has approved to write off close to N$600 000 owed to it by pensioners who have died.

It is against this background that I request your municipality to regard this proposal as sensitive and of utmost importance. I therefor would request your office to take the following into consideration:

• That the writing off of all debts for all registered elders, poor and destitute house owners on special ground be approved;

• That the recommendation of October 27, 2011 and subsequent approval by full council be implemented without delay;

• That the debts for deceased elders who were house owners be written off (only debts accumulated up to the date of death);

• That the members residing in the houses of the deceased be informed to provide the death certificates;

• That the written-off debts be considered as only a once-off exercise;

• That the installation of water pre-paid meters for pensioners and the poor be started with as soon as possible;

• That ministerial approval be sought to write off the elders' and the poor’s debts as soon as possible.

This request was prompted by the continued suspension of the water and electricity supply by the Mariental Municipality to the pensioners and the poor residents of Mariental.

I trust you find this in order.