Lüderitz mayor proposes debt relief for pensioners

The mayor of Lüderitz, Brigitte Fredericks, has tabled a motion proposing the establishment of a Pensioner Debt Relief Programme to assist qualifying elderly residents of the harbour town.

"The elderly citizens of our town have contributed significantly to its development. Council may approve a once-off write-off of qualifying historical debt relating to water, electricity, property rates and approved municipal service charges where legally permissible. This motion seeks to establish a fair and financially responsible debt relief programme that balances compassion with sound municipal governance. A structured relief programme will improve the debtors' book, encourage future payment compliance and contribute to stronger community relations," Fredericks said.

The motion calls on the Lüderitz Town Council to introduce a once-off Pensioner Debt Relief Programme to provide financial assistance to qualifying pensioners through the possible write-off of outstanding municipal debt related to residential water, electricity, property rates and other approved municipal service charges, subject to affordability, applicable legislation and council policies.

Fredericks therefore proposed that the council administration develop a Pensioner Debt Relief Policy with clear eligibility criteria for applicants. "The administration should conduct a financial impact assessment. Funding options and budget allocations must be investigated, and a comprehensive implementation report should be submitted to council within 90 days," she said.

According to Fredericks, supporting elderly residents reflects compassionate and people-centred local governance. "Many elderly residents rely solely on the government's old-age pension and struggle to keep up with rising municipal service costs. As a result, some have accumulated municipal debt over several years, making it difficult to maintain access to essential services. Council has a responsibility to promote the social and economic well-being of vulnerable members of the community," she said.