Swakopmund tightens land application procedures amid growing demand

The Swakopmund Municipality has announced new procedures for land applications, development and acquisition, as the town grapples with surging demand for serviced land driven by rapid population growth, urban migration, and the expansion of informal settlements.

Municipal spokesperson Linda Mupupa says the changes come in response to the increasing number of unsolicited development proposals, which have placed significant strain on municipal resources and caused delays in urban planning and service delivery.

“Our town is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes the need for a more structured and transparent system. The volume of unsolicited applications has made it difficult to process requests efficiently, and we need to ensure fairness in how land is allocated,” she says.

As part of the newly adopted approach, all land intended for sale or lease will now be publicly advertised to give all interested parties an equal opportunity to participate in the application process.

“This move aligns with our urban development strategy and reinforces our commitment to fairness, transparency and efficient development. We are confident that this approach will help us manage land demand more strategically and equitably, benefiting the town’s long-term development,” she adds.

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