Kavango families block road project over unpaid money
Clashes reported
The affected residents worry that they will lose their land without fair compensation.
Some residents affected by the Andara–Shamaturu and Divundu–Muhembo road projects in the Mukwe constituency in the Kavango East region are reportedly refusing to relocate, citing government’s failure to pay them as promised.
Their refusal is stalling progress on the two projects, which fall under the Roads Authority (RA).
During a site visit last week, RA CEO Conrad Lutombi said families identified for relocation have dug in, insisting they will not move until they are paid.
The delays stem from the works ministry’s failure to process the compensation, which is required before relocation can take place.
To avoid further delays, Lutombi said the RA has begun assisting affected families in building basic shelters at their new sites while they await payment.
“We want to avoid further delays, so we’re working with the families to help them get settled while the ministry finalises its part,” he confirmed.
Disruptive tactics
Meanwhile, Mukwe constituency councillor Daniel Maghambayi has called for calm and cooperation from the community.
He urged residents not to block roads or interfere with contractors, warning that some have already resorted to disruptive tactics.
“There are places where people have placed stones to block the contractor from working. I don’t want to see that happening here,” Maghambayi said.
He admitted that he has personally been called multiple times to intervene where residents and contractors clashed.
Residents say they fear they will be left without compensation for their land and fields, particularly those losing parts of their mahangu farms to the road expansion.
Maghambayi sought to reassure them, vowing that no one would be excluded from the payment process.
“This isn’t about someone taking money from their pocket to pay you. There’s a process in place – yes, it’s slow – but it must be followed. And we need that process to speed up so that everyone is satisfied,” he said.
He also warned against derailing a project the community had previously demanded, referring to demonstrations where residents called for the road to be built.
“Now that the road is here, we want to stop it? It doesn’t make sense. This road is like oxygen to the people. We can’t cut it off just because compensation is slow,” Maghambayi said.
Their refusal is stalling progress on the two projects, which fall under the Roads Authority (RA).
During a site visit last week, RA CEO Conrad Lutombi said families identified for relocation have dug in, insisting they will not move until they are paid.
The delays stem from the works ministry’s failure to process the compensation, which is required before relocation can take place.
To avoid further delays, Lutombi said the RA has begun assisting affected families in building basic shelters at their new sites while they await payment.
“We want to avoid further delays, so we’re working with the families to help them get settled while the ministry finalises its part,” he confirmed.
Disruptive tactics
Meanwhile, Mukwe constituency councillor Daniel Maghambayi has called for calm and cooperation from the community.
He urged residents not to block roads or interfere with contractors, warning that some have already resorted to disruptive tactics.
“There are places where people have placed stones to block the contractor from working. I don’t want to see that happening here,” Maghambayi said.
He admitted that he has personally been called multiple times to intervene where residents and contractors clashed.
Residents say they fear they will be left without compensation for their land and fields, particularly those losing parts of their mahangu farms to the road expansion.
Maghambayi sought to reassure them, vowing that no one would be excluded from the payment process.
“This isn’t about someone taking money from their pocket to pay you. There’s a process in place – yes, it’s slow – but it must be followed. And we need that process to speed up so that everyone is satisfied,” he said.
He also warned against derailing a project the community had previously demanded, referring to demonstrations where residents called for the road to be built.
“Now that the road is here, we want to stop it? It doesn’t make sense. This road is like oxygen to the people. We can’t cut it off just because compensation is slow,” Maghambayi said.
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