Justice Ministry to finalize bill that will ease high home repossessions

Staff Reporter

THE Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, has stated that her ministry is currently finalizing and tabling the High Court and Magistrate’s Court Amendment Bill to provide for judicial oversight in the sale of immovable property in cases of debt.

The Justice minister made these remarks at the Cabinet Committee Briefings that commenced this week, aiming to improve access to information on the work of government entities.

The finalization of the bill comes at a time when many Namibians have expressed concerns about the high repossession of their homes due to rising interest rates. Metcalfe-Beukes Attorneys, among several other organizations, have called for intervention from the Bank of Namibia.

According to the draft bill, in the case of immovable property being used as a primary residence by the judgment debtor or any other person, an order may only be issued if the court, following an inquiry as outlined in the court rules and considering all circumstances, is satisfied that there are no less drastic measures to satisfy the judgment debt other than the sale of the immovable property in question.

According to statistics from the Bank of Namibia, commercial banks have repossessed unsold residential properties valued at N$251 million in the past five years, ending in June of last year. In response to rising interest rates, Metcalfe-Beukes has also voiced concerns.

Addressing other major initiatives undertaken by the ministry, Dausab mentioned that the Justice Ministry, in consultation with the Office of the Judiciary, has expanded court infrastructure.

She added that plans are in place for new court infrastructure in Nkurenkuru, Omuthiya, and Okahao, with ongoing consultations between the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Judiciary.

Furthermore, she stated that a new periodical court has been gazetted for Hoachanas to serve the Mariental district. “Activities to set up the court infrastructure are already underway. A victim-friendly court for GBV cases will also be established in Keetmanshoop. This initiative is currently in progress,” Dausab said.