Windhoek launches campaign to tackle illegal land grabbing

Windhoek launches campaign to tackle illegal land grabbing

The City of Windhoek launched a community engagement and education campaign in the Samora Machel Constituency on Monday to raise awareness about illegal land grabbing and promote safer, lawful settlement practices.

The initiative will run over four weekends until 11 April, covering several neighbourhoods, including Kahumba Kandola, Thlabanelo, Hadino Hishongwa, Peter Nanyemba and Brenden Simbwaye.

The campaign brings together community leaders and residents in a series of informative sessions aimed at strengthening local capacity to address land-related challenges.

A key focus is empowering neighbourhood committee members with the knowledge and tools needed to guide their communities in dealing with issues related to land occupation and development.

Authorities highlighted the risks of constructing homes in unsuitable areas such as riverbeds and beneath power lines, warning that such practices pose serious safety hazards.

Residents were encouraged to follow proper procedures when extending or renovating their homes.

This includes visiting the City of Windhoek’s human settlements office to complete the necessary documentation and obtain official approval before undertaking any construction work.

Residents were advised not to block access roads, as doing so could delay critical emergency services such as fire and ambulance responses, potentially putting lives at risk.

City officials also stressed the benefits of neighbourhood watch groups to improve community security.