The Keetmanshoop Municipality has postponed the planned water supply disconnection that was scheduled for the 24th of March until the 7th of April 2026.

The municipality announced in a public notice that the disconnections will apply to all consumers with outstanding balances older than 31 January 2026.

Defaulting residents are urged to make arrangements for a ten percent payment to avert water supply disconnections.

Government institutions are required to make a 100% payment, while private companies must cough up 15%.

The municipality owes the bulk water supplier, NamWater, N$32 million in unpaid water bills.

NamWater also demanded a 30% payment on the outstanding amount to avert a water supply cut-off to the town on 7 April.

The municipality's public relations officer, Monica Imene, told NBC News that the local authority is actively engaging with NamWater and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development on the matter.

She added that 7 April is the due date for residents to pay up or face water disconnection.

Residents Anna Van Wyk, Katrina Van Rooyen and Sana Haman have expressed discontent over the planned water cuts. 

"What must we as a community do about it? We can't really do anything about it; it's their responsibility to pay there so that we can have water. We are paying, even if we pay little by little just to be able to survive; it is unfair. And the water price keeps going up; what are we supposed to do? Those of us who only earn a few cents, and the elderly people too, can't keep up. What will we eat if we have to give all our money there?"

"Is it their fault, not our fault? It's negligence. There are many old people who cannot pay for their water, and I am one of them. I only receive that pension money."

"I don't feel very okay in general, not just about my water but about all our water in Keetmanshoop. Old people and young people who have to wash with that water and cook and drink from the same water."