Okongo extends deadline for repossession of idle plots

The Okongo Village Council has extended the deadline for the repossession of unoccupied plots with outstanding payments of N$20 000 and above.

This is according to a media statement issued on behalf of village council chief executive Jackson Muma on Sunday.

The council says the extension will grant property owners additional time to regularise their accounts and start development.

The village council says the effective date for the revocation process has been moved from 1 April to 1 May.

The decision follows consultations with affected residents, property owners, and members of the business community, the council says.

“The extension provides a final opportunity for affected parties to settle their accounts and take meaningful steps toward developing their properties,” the council says.

The measure applies to undeveloped plots at Okongo Proper, Extension 1, and Extension 2.

According to the council, all such properties will be revoked without further notice if payments are not settled by the new deadline.

Once repossessed, the plots will be reallocated to applicants currently on the council’s waiting list, which includes 1 302 residential and 450 business applicants.

The council says some of the plots were allocated over a decade ago and are fully serviced but underdeveloped.

“This situation has significantly hindered the growth and development of Okongo, depriving the town of much-needed revenue, economic activities and infrastructure expansion,” the statement reads.

Residents and businesses affected by the decision have been urged to settle outstanding balances and begin the process of securing title deeds.

“Affected residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to settle outstanding balances before the deadline and to initiate the process of securing their title deeds, thereby safeguarding their investments and contributing to local development,” the council says.

The council calls on all property owners in planned and registered areas to begin acquiring title deeds, warning that the current land lease system is nearing its end.

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