Landless People’s Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi says the communal land allocated to the /Khomanin community should not be less than 30 000 hectares.
Swartbooi made these remarks in parliament on Wednesday, while pledging his support for the government’s decision to allocate communal land to the Khomanin community in the Khomas region.
According to Swartbooi, the region has a lot of mountains which does not constitute farming land.
“People that farm in the Khomas region know how hard it is to extract water from the mountains. These people need to make a living,” he said.
Swartbooi further advised the government to ensure infrastructure is in place for the community.
“The people need roads, electrification and access to services,” he said.
He noted that a process should be employed to make sure that the land is given to the /Khomanin people and not other community members residing in the Khomas region.
“We need to make sure that the /Khomanin people benefit, otherwise this is just another election year gimmick,” he said.
Swartbooi further said the land must not be adjacent to the city as it will just promote another degree of urbanisation.
Last month, the Ministry Of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform allocated two farms worth N$33,8 million to the /Khomanin community as communal land for settlement and grazing purposes.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
