Otjozondjupa Communal Land Board to remove illegal fences at Tsumkwe, Okakarara

The Otjozondjupa Communal Land Board on Wednesday announced its intention to remove 27 illegal fences at Tsumkwe West and Okakarara.

Board chairperson Jackson Hindjou said the illegal fences have deprived residents of the opportunity to benefit equally from state natural resources for long.

He says some individuals have fenced off vast tracts of grazing land and water resources, which should be shared by everyone.

Hindjou says three illegal fences covering 18km had been identified in the Okakarara area.

At Tsumkwe West, around 24 illegal fences were identified, covering a total of 148km of fenced-off land in the villages of //Ha-Du, Kameelwood, Bubi Pos, Omatako and Kanovlei.

“We will start to remove them from 18 March, using the labour force of National Youth Service members,” said Hindjou.

The removal is expected to commence at Okakarara’s Ohamuheke village on 18 March and conclude at Kanovlei village, Tsumkwe West, on 24 March.

“We have also informed police officers in the region to be present when we are removing these illegal fences,” Hindjou said.

He said the owners of the illegally erected fences and other structures have been served with notices and are aware of the government’s decision to remove them.

The deputy director of the lands division in the Otjozondjupa region, Gotlieb Elifas, will also be present when the identified illegal fences are removed.