INTERVIEW: Basic Income Grant Coalition’s Rinaani Musutua on Electricity Tariff Increases

Windhoek, Namibia – The Basic Income Grant Coalition, represented by Rinaani Musutua, has expressed strong opposition to the proposed tariff increases by the City of Windhoek. These increases, which encompass essential services such as water and electricity, are currently under review by the Electricity Control Board (ECB).

Economic Hardship and Mismanagement

Rinaani Musutua highlighted the financial struggles faced by many Namibians, stating that this is not the appropriate time to raise tariffs. “Namibians are already struggling to have a decent living,” Musutua emphasized, pointing out that the city’s financial difficulties are largely due to mismanagement and inefficiencies within the entity itself.

Musutua criticized the City of Windhoek’s management, accusing it of seeking to make the poor pay for their financial missteps. She argued that the city’s employees and councillors are often unresponsive and lack dedication to their roles. “Nobody at the city of Windhoek wants to work really,” she noted, adding that the shift from unpaid to paid councillor positions has contributed to the city’s financial woes.

Impact on Residents

The proposed tariff increases come at a time when the majority of Namibians are facing severe economic hardship. Musutua pointed out that 1.6 million Namibians struggle to make ends meet, with many resorting to scavenging at rubbish dumps and bins. She highlighted that 75% of Namibians earn $1,500 or less per month, making it extremely difficult for them to afford any price hikes.

The activist warned that the tariff increases would not only burden households directly but also lead to higher food prices and other utilities, exacerbating the economic strain on already struggling families.

Call for Government Intervention

In the event that the tariff increase is approved, Musutua called on the government to provide subsidies in the form of a universal basic income grant. This subsidy would ensure that Namibians can afford basic necessities amidst the rising costs. “The city of Windhoek must be stopped from hiking those tariffs,” Musutua declared, stressing that it is unacceptable for the city to profit from the already downtrodden population and to gamble with people’s lives.

Conclusion

The Basic Income Grant Coalition, through Rinaani Musutua, has made a compelling case against the proposed tariff increases. Their argument is rooted in the current economic challenges faced by Namibians and the mismanagement within the City of Windhoek. As the ECB deliberates on the proposal, the coalition continues to advocate for the rights and welfare of the residents, urging for more considerate and sustainable solutions.

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