Allexer Namundjembo
The Oranjemund Town Council (OTC) is demanding N$21 million in unpaid rates and taxes from the government for two properties, including the land housing the Oranjemund Airport.
The Ministry of Works and Transport owns the land, but the council says it has not received payments since 2018.
The land in question is Farm 166, where the airport is located, and an adjacent Farm 171, which is vacant.
The council claims that the government owes N$15.7 million for Farm 166 and N$5.3 million for Farm 171, totalling N$21 million in unpaid rates and taxes.
Council chairperson for the management committee, Guame Stephanus, said the council has been invoicing the Ministry since the 2018/2019 financial year but has not received any payment.
“Since 2018, we have invoiced the Ministry of Works and Transport for the rates and taxes due on both farms. However, no payments have been made to date,” Stephanus said.
In September 2024, the council held a workshop with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Works and Transport, Namdeb, and Debmarine, to discuss responsibility for the payments.
The OTC also requested that the Ministry donate both farms to the town, as the land is crucial for Oranjemund’s development and economic diversification.
“The land has been identified as essential for the town’s growth and transformation, which is part of our Town Transformation Agenda. We have tried to reach a resolution, but so far, there has been no response from the relevant parties,” Stephanus added.
The council stressed that the unpaid funds are critical for providing essential services and development projects.
“These funds are our main source of income, and they are vital for ensuring that we can provide services to the community,” Stephanus emphasised.
If the matter remains unresolved, Stephanus warned that the council will take further actions, including the enforcement of the Council Credit Policy.
“If the stakeholders fail to take this matter seriously, we will take necessary actions,” he concluded.
NamDeb’s spokesperson, Grace Luvindao indicated that there are ongoing discussions between the affected stakeholders regarding the concerns raised by the OTC.
“As a result, NamDeb is unable to comment further on the matter at this time,” she said.
The Windhoek Observer sought clarification from NamDeb on whether it operates the airport, receives rental payments, or owes the council any money.
The executive director in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ester Kaapanda, confirmed that both farms are registered in the government’s name.
She explained that in 2024, the Oranjemund municipality began charging the ministry for rates and taxes, backdating the charges to when the properties were officially registered in the government’s name.
“Prior to this, the municipality had only been charging NamDeb for basic services, such as refuse removal and water,” Kaapanda said.
She also clarified that the two farms are immovable government properties, and they have not been donated to the OTC.
