KARIBIB – Karibib, a town that has been battling with informal settlements and land grabbing, has taken progressive steps to address the shortage of serviced land to its destitute masses.
On Friday, the Karibib Town Council handed over 1 996 ownership certificates to residents of the Usab settlement. At the heart of this bold move is the restoration of their dignity. The plots were serviced at a cost of N$89.8 million, with each plot costing about N$45 000. However, the central government subsidised the servicing, bringing the cost down to just N$1 900 per plot.
The upgrading of Usab started in 2016, when the council and stakeholders committed themselves to addressing the shortages of housing and land in the town.
Recipients eagerly waited for their validation as owners to have their certificates handed over to them, marking the beginning of dignified lives for them.
One such resident was Michael Stuurman,
who told New Era that he has lived in the mining town for 22 years, and has been trapped in rental chains since.
“I applied for a piece of land, and got my land in 2015. I feel very happy and safe now that I own a piece of land. Now, I can live with my family and children legally on land that was given to us,” he said. The new land owner also expressed
gratitude towards the government and the
Karibib council for “allowing us access to a piece of land, and contributing to us owning a proper house one day”. Another beneficiary, Hanzina Christiaans, also expressed joy, saying that she no longer needs to rent. “Renting has been a struggle here in
Karibib; hence I am so grateful for this piece of land that was given to me. I know many people in Namibia wish to have a plot to build their own homes, and that is why we are the lucky ones who can say we are proud landowners now,” she said. The town’s mayor Davey van Wyk also
highlighted the significance of the initiative. “We understand the circumstances of our community, hence they will only pay N$1 900 as this is a direct response to the needs of our community.” He added that this is also a response to the humanitarian crisis highlighted by late President Hage Geingob.
He continued: “Through collaborative efforts, the dedicated team has worked extensively with the people to provide housing. This informal area was developed because people settled here not by choice, but because of circumstances. It is our responsibility as elected leaders to ensure that we adhere to what the government stands for, providing services.” Speaking on behalf of President Nangolo Mbumba, fisheries minister Derek Klazen applauded all stakeholders, including the community, who collectively made land ownership a reality. He also attributed the success achieved by the Karibib council and stakeholders to Geingob, whose dream was to realise a Namibia free of informal settlements.
“I am informed that the entire process was community-led from start to finish, with full participation of the beneficiaries who executed various tasks, such as removing structures for urban planning and creating streets. This is what we call development,” Mbumba said.
Government’s agenda has always been for the development of Namibia and its people by prioritising their welfare.
“This is a tangible demonstration that success and achievement are indeed guaranteed outcomes. Thus, I would like to encourage you to continue with this exemplary cooperation and partnership,” Mbumba said.
Meanwhile, deputy urban and rural development minister Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele highlighted the importance of land tenure security. “These certificates serve as a guarantee against eviction, offering residents assurance and stability while awaiting the implementation of
the flexible land tenure process,” she said. This process lies in improving housing conditions, and ensuring every resident can live with dignity and security.
“I encourage beneficiaries to see land ownership as an opportunity to build lasting homes, urging them to use their money wisely to construct safe, durable houses, fostering a community they can be proud of,” !Nawases-Taeyele stated.