Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has denied corruption allegations over his planned purchase of four Bukalo business plots at N$45 000.
Sankwasa’s remarks came after a leaked council document alleged that he acquired business plots erven 503, 504, 505 and 506, each measuring 1 133m², for N$45 000 in total.
This leaked document has caused outrage among Bukalo residents, who question how it is possible for Sankwasa to buy the prime business plots for a mere N$45 000.
A source, who wishes to remain anonymous, told The Namibian yesterday that the Bukalo Village Council passed a resolution in July offering these prime business plots to Sankwasa.
The source further alleges that Sankwasa did not apply for the plots and was not on the waiting list for as long as other residents.
“This offer also happened without the council chairperson authorising it. Hence, it was deemed an invalid meeting in which the resolution was passed. The chief executive, Anna Sazita, is behind this allocation and has influenced councillors to take such a resolution.
“On top of that, the purchase price attached to these plots doesn’t reflect the value of the land in question as per the approved tariff structure of the village council,” the source alleges.
According to the source, the new approved tariff structure of the council places plots at N$85 per square metre.
“Therefore, 1 133 m² × N$85 = N$96 305 is the purchase price for each plot offered to Sankwasa. In total, it should be N$385 220 for all four plots. Instead of N$45 000,” the source alleges.
Sankwasa has refuted the claims, saying he would never be involved in such corrupt activities.
“Check with the council. I would like to know if indeed I was undercharged by the council and why. I never negotiated for any price but requested to be charged as per the gazetted price. Nobody has ever paid N$85 per square metre at Bukalo,” he says.
He adds that business plots in the Bukalo Village Council cost N$35 per square metre, with each plot measuring 1 133 square metres, plus 15% tax.
Sazita, when reached for a comment, said she would respond to The Namibian but did not at the time of going to print.
