Villagers protest ‘land grab’

RESIDENTS from Oshikango, Omafo, Engela, Ohangwena and Onuno – villages that fall within the boundaries of the new town of Helao Nafidi in the Ohangwena Region – on Friday took to the streets to protest the actions of the Helao Nafidi Town Council.

They want the Minister of Regional and Local Government, John Pandeni, to intervene, saying that the council was taking land for new developments without properly compensating villagers. For example, the owner of a field and homestead where the Helao Nafidi municipal offices have been built was allegedly given only N$7 000 for his land.Residents also say they are being charged municipal tariffs although they live in traditional homesteads and not in a town with modern services.”Most of the said village residents within the boundaries of Helao Nafidi have been there for many years before the town was planned, but the Helao Town Council is saying that we have no right to occupy this land any more, apparently because we do not have the necessary documents or certificates to own such land.We think this is injustice and the Government has to intervene,” they said.For example, the owner of a field and homestead where the Helao Nafidi municipal offices have been built was allegedly given only N$7 000 for his land.Residents also say they are being charged municipal tariffs although they live in traditional homesteads and not in a town with modern services.”Most of the said village residents within the boundaries of Helao Nafidi have been there for many years before the town was planned, but the Helao Town Council is saying that we have no right to occupy this land any more, apparently because we do not have the necessary documents or certificates to own such land.We think this is injustice and the Government has to intervene,” they said.