Frustrated Arandis residents threaten to seize land – Windhoek Observer

Stefanus Nashama

Frustrated landless residents in Arandis have issued a threat to take matters into their own hands by occupying unserviced land illegally.

They claim that the Arandis Town Council has repeatedly ignored their requests for land, leaving them with no choice but to pursue this course of action.

The group, calling themselves the “Arandis Concerned Group,” expressed their disappointment with the Town Council, citing unresolved issues that have plagued them for years.

These residents have grown weary of spending their hard-earned money on rent while struggling to provide for their families.

Group spokesperson Helena Orus voiced their frustrations, stating, “We cannot continue enriching people while our families have nothing to eat. We spend money on renting.”

In response to the Town Council’s failure to provide unserviced land, the group has given them a three-day ultimatum to meet their demands; otherwise, they plan to occupy the land illegally and take it upon themselves to establish shacks and houses.

Orus emphasized the seriousness of their intent, saying, “We’re not joking. We are tired and want a response before we take the law into our hands.”

Some community members are willing to service the land and build decent houses themselves. They accuse the Town Council of mismanagement, irresponsibility, and obstructing their access to land that they could develop independently.

Orus highlighted that many residents pay over N$3,000 in rent for small rooms and houses, an amount they claim they can afford to use to build their homes.

She stressed that this N$3,000 represents a significant sum of money that could be allocated to more critical needs.

Questioning the Town Council’s role, she asserted that if land is not made available to the people, the council has failed in its duty.

The residents’ demand for unserviced land stems from what they perceive as the council’s failure to prioritize housing and land distribution for its citizens.

The group recently met with Erongo Regional Governor Neville Andre and some council members to discuss land-related issues.

The Governor promised to provide feedback following the meeting with the residents, although he could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.