Traditional authority clamps down on land grab

THE Kambazembi Traditional Authority says people who have occupied land without its permission should report to its district offices from June 18 to July 15.
The district offices are at Gam, Coblenz, Ovitoto, Okondjatu, Okamatapati and Okakarara.

The chairperson of the authority, Vetondouua Maharero, says many people from other regions, as well as those under the traditional authority, have settled in various areas without authorisation and have fenced in areas ranging from 8,8 hectares to 22,5 hectares. ‘There are procedures to be followed,’ Maharero said, adding that notice has been given to those who have illegally fenced off communal land. The authority said people have irregularly settled on virgin land, and in some instances, sold land at Otjituuo, Okamatapati and Okondjatu. The council dismissed claims by the occupants that their transactions were done legally. ‘Land sold by so-called owners is not allocated or authorised by the Traditional Authority,’ said Maharero. The Traditional Authority said it would make sure that everyone abides by the Communal Land Reform Act. Maharero could not say who the illegal settlers are, where they came from or how many people are involved, but said cases of illegal occupation have been reported. ‘We have to do more investigation, that is why we say people should visit the offices and fill in a questionnaire,’ he said. Through this exercise, the authority wants to establish how people have obtained land, the locations and sizes of land claimed, and who has sold and bought land.