By: Annakleta Haikera
Urban and Rural Development Minister, James Sankwasa, has warned the Rundu Town Council to strictly follow the law when allocating land, stressing that all land allocations require ministerial approval and must comply with prescribed legal procedures.
Speaking during a meeting with the council in Rundu on Monday, Sankwasa said adherence to the law is essential to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability in land administration.
He also raised concern over cases of double land allocations, urging the council to verify all relevant documentation and establish the facts before allocating plots to prevent similar incidents.
Sankwasa further called on the council to improve the town’s cleanliness by engaging unemployed residents in community clean-up programmes, saying such initiatives would create temporary employment while improving the environment.
Sankwasa also reminded the council to bring its audit records up to date, warning that he would not approve the council’s budget if outstanding audits are not finalised.
His remarks echo the stance he took during the coronation of VaGciriku Hompa Bartholomeus Aruvita Kayoka in Ndiyona last month, where he reiterated that communal land remains state property and cannot be sold illegally.
“Land in every corner of the country is state property. It is not for the chief, not for the headman, because the chief and the headman are custodians of the government,” Sankwasa said.
He stressed that while communal land can be allocated, it must be done in accordance with the law and established procedures, warning traditional leaders against treating communal land as private property.
Speaking to The Villager Newspaper, some Rundu residents said they welcomed the minister’s intervention.
“Too many people have suffered because of double land allocations. We hope the council follows the law so everyone has a fair chance of getting land,” one resident said.
Selma Haingura said the minister’s warning on audits was important.
“Local authorities must account for public funds and manage land transparently. Residents deserve a council that is both accountable and efficient,” she said.
John Mukuve said people frequently advertise and sell their plots on Facebook without any apparent action being taken.
“The Town Council needs to investigate these transactions because communal and municipal land should not become a business for a few individuals while many people are still waiting for land,” he said.
Rundu has for years faced complaints over double land allocations, alleged illegal land sales and delays in servicing residential plots, prompting repeated calls for greater transparency and accountability in the town’s land administration.
