Local authorities want land bill to address past imbalances

The Association of Local Authorities in Namibia says the land bill set to be tabled in parliament this year must address past imbalances and return land back to Namibians.

The association’s president, Samuel !Oë-Amseb told The Namibian that while the issue of foreign land ownership is important, the bill should take a holistic approach to address the challenges of land reform in Namibia.

“We understand that foreign investment is important for economic growth. However, we advocate policies that ensure Namibians retain control over their land and natural resources,” he says.

!Oë-Amseb says this approach must balance national interest, social equity, environmental sustainability, and the economic aspirations of Namibians.

The land bill seeks to address the lack of land acquisition in the country by Namibians and absent foreign land ownership.

In March it was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, but was only introduced towards the end of the seventh parliament last year and could not be discussed as planned.

“We welcome further discussions on the bill and remain committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that land reform in Namibia is both inclusive and effective,” he says.

He underscored land as a fundamental resource for economic empowerment and social stability.

Foreign ownership of land has been a topic of debate in Namibia, both during the first and second Land Conference.

!Oë-Amseb expresses support for the proposal to regulate and limit foreign ownership to preserve the interests of Namibians, particularly in regards to agricultural and residential land.

This is crucial for the sustenance of local communities and the protection of land rights for future generations.

He says the bill should include measures that protect the land rights of local communities and indigenous people, ensuring they are not displaced or marginalised in favour of foreign interests.

He further proposes that the bill include provisions that make land more accessible to emerging farmers, especially youth and women, to support sustainable agricultural practices and enhance food security.

A focus on land redistribution, he says, should be integrated into the bill to correct historical injustices and promote equitable land ownership.

He suggests the inclusion of environmental safeguards to ensure land use practices are sustainable and do not degrade natural resources.

He maintains that the bill should provide for modernising and digitising land administration processes to reduce disputes and enhance accountability.

“It is essential that any land allocation takes into account its environmental impact, especially in areas prone to desertification or other ecological vulnerabilities,” he says.

To ensure all stakeholders understand their rights and obligations under the new bill, he proposes that a public awareness campaign be undertaken to ensure widespread participation in discussions and help mitigate potential conflicts.

“I wish to inform this august House that the land bill will be re-introduced to this House during this financial year. The land bill aims to enhance and promote equitable access to land, particularly for the landless, farmers in corridors, women and youth,” agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani said during her motivation of the budget allocation of N$2.5 billion last week.

She said the bill will prohibit foreign nationals from owning land or being allocated customary land rights.

She believes the onus is on them to support the bill and ensure there is balanced land distribution.

She, however, said funding constraints, market price considerations and high number of farm offer withdrawals limits the scale and speed of land acquisition.

Former Popular Democratic Movement member of parliament Maximalliant Katjimune says the land bill does not address rent control.

Katjimune who moved a motion last year to address hiked rent prices says the rent issues requires a dedicated bill.

“The rent control bill must be a stand-alone bill that systematically addresses the issue of rent control and the establishment of rent control boards.

“It appears to me that the government is dragging its feet in bringing this very crucial piece of legislation, but we hope that it’s soon brought to parliament and passed with great urgency,” he says.

The government spent N$2.4 billion between 1990 and 2023 on 3.4 million hectares of land (571 farms) through its land reform programme, resettling 5 458 beneficiaries.

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