Martin Endjala
The Katutura Residents Committee (KRC) has labelled the Electricity Control Board (ECB) as weak in enforcing its mandate to bring misbehaving licensees to order.
The Windhoek Observer understands that the Windhoek municipality has taken the ECB to court, seeking to set aside the ECB’s directive and grant the municipality a special dispensation.
The ECB recently informed the public that a court challenge to its directive from 27 June, which forbids local authorities from blocking prepaid meters due to other municipal arrears, prompted this legal action.
This court case has restricted the ECB from taking any actions.
The ECB stated that such practices by local authorities contravene the provisions of the Electricity Act, Act No. 4 of 2007, and subordinate legislation issued thereunder.
“The ECB hereby informs the public that its ruling has since been challenged in a court of law, and while the proceedings are underway, the regulator is restricted from taking any action against licensees who block prepaid electricity meters for arrears on other municipal services,” reads the statement.
Robert Kahimise, the ECB’s chief executive officer, explained that complaints related to the blocking of prepaid electricity meters due to arrears on other municipal services will not be investigated by the ECB pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Kahimise, however, assured the public that the ECB will not abdicate its mandate as Namibia’s electricity regulator and will promptly inform the public of the legal proceedings’ outcome and the way forward.
He pointed out that consolidated municipal accounts, which bill the electricity account (postpaid), water, sewage, rates, and taxes in a single consolidated statement, are exempt from the ECB ruling.
In the meantime, aggrieved customers are urged to make appropriate arrangements with local authorities regarding payment of their municipal arrears.
Shaun Gariseb, the KRC spokesperson, told the publication that the tone of the ECB’s statement is problematic, suggesting they had ample time to call the City of Windhoek to order, which is the only local authority undermining their directive.
“All ratepayers must continue noting how much money they lose because of illegal blockage of electricity by the City of Windhoek,” he advised.
He expressed his view that the ECB is allowing the City of Windhoek to undermine their directive.
Gariseb argued that the ECB’s statement is a way to avoid responsibility, as instead of taking a clear stance, the ECB is blaming the court case.
“They have never even issued a warning letter to the City of Windhoek, which relies on its own regulations as opposed to the enabling Electricity Act, which is clear regarding the conflict in such instances,” he stated.
He believes that the ECB’s failure to address these issues led to legal action.
Gariseb further announced that next week they will hold a press conference to update ratepayers, with the venue to be communicated soon.
Herold Akwenye, the Windhoek municipality spokesperson, indicated that legal consultation regarding the ECB’s ruling is necessary.
Akwenye previously told this publication that measures are in place to assist residents in arrears to prevent disconnections, adding that those who only need to approach the municipality to make payment arrangements.
He also urged residents to contact the municipality for assistance if they believed their water consumption meters were overly high or inaccurate.
The KRC has on numerous occasions accused the Windhoek municipality of unlawfully blocking prepaid meters and making illegal estimations.
