(English) October 17, 2012
Residents of the Onayena Constituency in the Oshikoto Region are concerned that some people have started fencing off swathes of land, even though they are not cultivating it.
Concerned traditional leaders briefed the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Loide Kasingo, during her recent familiarisation visit to the Oshikoto Region.
They suggested that when it comes to the allocation of land, the government should also consult traditional authorities and not only the land boards.
Traditional leaders further recommended that traditional authorities should always be informed about laws that concern land distribution.
One of the concerns raised by the community of Onayena is the shortage of land.
According to them most veterans are applying for land in order to go into farming and the only land available is in the Mangetti area that is overpopulated.
They also proposed that the 20-hectare plots available in communal areas be increased to 50 hectares.
Alfred Sikopo, the Director of Regional Programme Implementation in the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement explained that there is no limit to land allocation in the communal areas.
“Even if you want 50 ha, you can get it. The 20 ha are only what the traditional authorities are allowed to allocate. If you want more than 20 ha, it is allowed but your application will be referred to the minister of lands for approval. And people in that communal area must be consulted if you want more than 20ha so that the decision does not interfere with others,” he said.
Sikopo further said fencing is allowed provided it is authorised by the communal land board or the traditional authorities.
Sikopo explained that the Communal Land Reform Act of 2002, No. 5 clearly stipulates that if one owns a kraal, mahangu field or a homestead there is no need to apply to put up a fence.
However, he said those who fenced off communal land before the Act came into effect in 2003 were given until February this year to apply for registration for fencing.
“For those who have applied but the land board has not yet taken decisions are still fine because the land board is still working out their applications,” Sikopo added. He also said that illegal fencing is rife in the Kavango, Oshana, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Oshikoto and Omusati regions.
“We are taking action now. All those who fenced off land without approval after 2003 – the land board will remove their illegal fences,” he warned.
Accompanied by staff members who provided administrative and logistical support, Kasingo visited all 10 constituencies of the Oshikoto Region, namely, Tsumeb, Guinas, Omuthiyagwiipundi, Eengodi, Okankolo, Omuntele, Onyaanya, Onayena, Olukonda and Oniipa.
Source: All Africa
Deixe um comentário