On March 20, 2024, Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes, along with members of the municipal council, met with backyard tenants to discuss the town’s upcoming land allocation plans. The meeting provided crucial details about the municipality’s approach to addressing housing needs in the area.
Starting in April, the municipality will conduct a two-week registration process in the Kuisebmond and Narraville areas. This initiative aims to assess the number of backyard tenants in need of land by visiting homes, documenting house numbers, and determining the number of residents renting shacks. Forbes assured attendees that the registration and land allocation processes would be fair and equitable, stressing that land will not be allocated solely to groups from the same location or to members who are relatives.
The first phase of the relocation plan will involve moving 50 residents to Farm 37, located outside Walvis Bay. This initial group was selected because they had already received occupation certificates from the central government in 2020, along with 50 residents from the Otweya informal settlement. Forbes explained that this group will serve as a model for future relocations, with the council using their experience to refine the process for subsequent groups.
Forbes highlighted the importance of a cautious approach to the relocation project. While basic services are currently available at Farm 37, additional amenities will be introduced gradually. The goal is to avoid the challenges associated with relocating a large group all at once, ensuring that the process remains manageable and efficient.
Attendees of the meeting expressed their appreciation for the transparency and information provided. Many have been living in backyard shacks for years and are eager to benefit from the land allocation plan. The clear communication from the municipality is expected to help prevent misunderstandings and protests.
For further details on Walvis Bay’s land allocation plans and the registration process, read the full article on Namibia Daily News here.