Kavango families stall road projects over delayed compensation
Some residents affected by the Andara–Shamaturu and Divundu–Muhembo road projects in the Mukwe constituency are refusing to relocate, accusing the government of failing to honour promised compensation.
The refusal has stalled progress on the two Roads Authority (RA) projects, as affected families stand their ground, demanding payment before moving.
RA CEO Conrad Lutombi, during a site visit last Thursday, confirmed that families earmarked for relocation have refused to budge until compensation is delivered. He said the delays stem from the works ministry’s failure to process the necessary payouts - an essential step before relocation can occur.
“To avoid further delays, we’re assisting the families by helping them set up basic shelters at their new sites while the ministry concludes its process,” Lutombi said.
Tensions rise
Mukwe constituency councillor Daniel Maghambayi has appealed for calm, urging residents not to block access roads or obstruct contractors, warning that some community members have already taken matters into their own hands.
“There are places where people have placed stones on the roads to prevent the contractor from working. I don’t want to see that happening here,” he said.
Maghambayi said he has been repeatedly called to mediate between contractors and frustrated residents.
Fear is mounting among community members - especially subsistence farmers - who are concerned they may not be compensated for the land and mahangu fields lost to the road construction.
“No one will be left out”
Maghambayi sought to reassure affected families, stressing that no one will be excluded from compensation. However, he acknowledged the process has been slow.
“This isn’t about someone pulling money from their pocket. There is a formal process. Yes, it’s slow - but it’s in place, and it must be followed. We just need it to speed up so everyone is satisfied,” he said.
Maghambayi also reminded residents that the road project was born out of community demands, citing previous demonstrations where locals pleaded for improved road infrastructure.
“Now that the road is finally being built, 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 the compensation process is slow,” he added.
The refusal has stalled progress on the two Roads Authority (RA) projects, as affected families stand their ground, demanding payment before moving.
RA CEO Conrad Lutombi, during a site visit last Thursday, confirmed that families earmarked for relocation have refused to budge until compensation is delivered. He said the delays stem from the works ministry’s failure to process the necessary payouts - an essential step before relocation can occur.
“To avoid further delays, we’re assisting the families by helping them set up basic shelters at their new sites while the ministry concludes its process,” Lutombi said.
Tensions rise
Mukwe constituency councillor Daniel Maghambayi has appealed for calm, urging residents not to block access roads or obstruct contractors, warning that some community members have already taken matters into their own hands.
“There are places where people have placed stones on the roads to prevent the contractor from working. I don’t want to see that happening here,” he said.
Maghambayi said he has been repeatedly called to mediate between contractors and frustrated residents.
Fear is mounting among community members - especially subsistence farmers - who are concerned they may not be compensated for the land and mahangu fields lost to the road construction.
“No one will be left out”
Maghambayi sought to reassure affected families, stressing that no one will be excluded from compensation. However, he acknowledged the process has been slow.
“This isn’t about someone pulling money from their pocket. There is a formal process. Yes, it’s slow - but it’s in place, and it must be followed. We just need it to speed up so everyone is satisfied,” he said.
Maghambayi also reminded residents that the road project was born out of community demands, citing previous demonstrations where locals pleaded for improved road infrastructure.
“Now that the road is finally being built, 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 the compensation process is slow,” he added.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article