Katima residents accuse council of ‘looting spree’

Katima Mulilo residents are accusing the town council of giving land to politically connected individuals and foreign nationals at the expense of locals.

Residents staged a demonstration against the so-called non-transparent private process of allocating land on Friday.

In a petition read by resident Owen Mahoto, the residents say they can no longer sit by and watch how those who are linked to councillors are given land without due processes.

“We have seen plots being distributed in a manner that lacks accountability, equity, and any meaningful community consultation. It has become overwhelmingly clear that this outgoing council is on a final looting spree, fast-tracking dubious land allocations for personal gain and to enrich allies before vacating office.

“This must stop immediately. The vast majority of residents, especially the youth and low-income earners, are excluded or endlessly placed on waiting lists without meaningful opportunity,” he said.

Mahoto claimed a well-known Chinese national has captured the town council’s procurement process for kickbacks.

“The Chinese national’s company has become the unquestioned darling of tenders, many of which are awarded without following proper procedures. It is not only economically reckless, but also deeply offensive that public funds are being handed to foreign nationals to perform jobs locals are fully capable of doing, only for that money to be cycled back into dubious land takeovers,” he said.

He also claimed a well-known local doctor has been allocated several plots he has not developed and is still acquiring additional plots.

Mahoto says the doctor was allowed to exchange a residential plot measuring 600m2 for prime commercial land measuring over 13 000m2 in the centre of town.

“This transaction is further evidence of a land allocation process that has been captured and corrupted for the benefit of a privileged few. The well-known doctor has used a range of fronts, including private companies, trusts, and even a church organisation to acquire and stockpile land throughout Katima Mulilo.

“This tactic not only reveals a deliberate attempt to conceal the extent of his land acquisitions, but also reflects the growing audacity with which the system is being exploited for personal gain,” he said.

Mahoto said other companies that are directly linked to some councillors’ family members have been offered to lease land at a rate of just 50c per square metre, among others.

The residents are demanding that the sale and lease of land listed in a recent newspaper advertisement be cancelled and that the council ceases all further allocation, sale, lease or donation of municipal land until the current council’s tenure comes to and end.

“The town council should also provide us with the comprehensive list of all plots sold, leased, or donated via private treaty since the current council was sworn into office by 31 July. Furthermore, they must cancel all existing public-private partnerships with developers who have not yet commenced physical development on the allocated land,” he said.

“They must also convene a council meeting and cancel all the land deals made during the current council’s tenure,” he said.

The petition was received by deputy mayor Lascan Sikosi, who promised the council would study it and provide feedback.

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