Ancestral land claims hit Rundu
Following the fencing off of a piece of land near Rundu by Unam, a group of residents now say it is their ancestral land and they want it back.
A group of residents are demanding land at Rundu's Kaisosi township on the basis that it belonged to their forefathers.
The group led by Pastor Magareth Mate da Rocha and Brigitte Kalihonda have told the Rundu town council they do not understand why they are landless, while their forefathers were the owners of the land.
Tuesday's protest followed the fencing off of a piece land by the University of Namibia's Rundu campus, which divided mahangu fields cultivated by a number of families.
Da Rocha explained that the fenced off land was not part of an initial agreement concluded by her father, who was the village headman at the time when land was donated to the then Rundu College of Education.
She said Unam should have fenced off the area used for the Kaisosi mass housing project and not the piece of land in question.
Da Rocha wants the council to look into the matter and find an amicable solution.
“We want what belongs to us. Our forefathers died on this land and yet today we don't have a piece of land,” Da Rocha said.
“We also are also seeking answers as to who gave Unam permission to fence off the land. We know the townland is administered by the council on behalf of government, but they must provide us with the answers to our questions. It does not mean if it is government land, they can do whatever they want. We need to be consulted and our rights should be protected.”
Da Rocha was speaking in the presence of newly elected Rundu mayor Isak Kandingu, his fellow councillors and officials.
She also shared with the audience how their applications for land for various business purposes since 2012 were not approved to date.
She said they have plans to construct a school that will cater for disabled children, as well as an old-age home and a catering company hall.
“Government is calling on us to develop the country yet we are denied land to put up community projects,” she said.
After listening to the demands, Kandingu said he was unaware of the situation.
However, council will wait on the officials to explain what happened in terms of the piece of land and revert back to the group.
“We have listened and I cannot give you a proper response at this point in time. Council will have to deliberate on the matter,” Kandingu said.
KENYA KAMBOWE
The group led by Pastor Magareth Mate da Rocha and Brigitte Kalihonda have told the Rundu town council they do not understand why they are landless, while their forefathers were the owners of the land.
Tuesday's protest followed the fencing off of a piece land by the University of Namibia's Rundu campus, which divided mahangu fields cultivated by a number of families.
Da Rocha explained that the fenced off land was not part of an initial agreement concluded by her father, who was the village headman at the time when land was donated to the then Rundu College of Education.
She said Unam should have fenced off the area used for the Kaisosi mass housing project and not the piece of land in question.
Da Rocha wants the council to look into the matter and find an amicable solution.
“We want what belongs to us. Our forefathers died on this land and yet today we don't have a piece of land,” Da Rocha said.
“We also are also seeking answers as to who gave Unam permission to fence off the land. We know the townland is administered by the council on behalf of government, but they must provide us with the answers to our questions. It does not mean if it is government land, they can do whatever they want. We need to be consulted and our rights should be protected.”
Da Rocha was speaking in the presence of newly elected Rundu mayor Isak Kandingu, his fellow councillors and officials.
She also shared with the audience how their applications for land for various business purposes since 2012 were not approved to date.
She said they have plans to construct a school that will cater for disabled children, as well as an old-age home and a catering company hall.
“Government is calling on us to develop the country yet we are denied land to put up community projects,” she said.
After listening to the demands, Kandingu said he was unaware of the situation.
However, council will wait on the officials to explain what happened in terms of the piece of land and revert back to the group.
“We have listened and I cannot give you a proper response at this point in time. Council will have to deliberate on the matter,” Kandingu said.
KENYA KAMBOWE
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article