The City of Windhoek has confirmed an average 4% increase in municipal tariffs, a move that will directly impact thousands of households in the Namibian capital.
The adjustment, finalized last week, is designed to address persistent revenue shortfalls within the municipal utility framework.
While the percentage increase appears modest, the financial burden on residents is compounded by systemic inefficiencies in the local water supply.
Industry data indicates that water boards in the region lose approximately one-third of pumped water to non-revenue water (NRW).
These losses stem primarily from aging infrastructure, illegal connections, and inaccurate billing systems, forcing the municipality to raise prices to maintain service levels.
The tariff hike arrives amid broader challenges for the city’s water infrastructure.