Cecilia Xavier
A programme to improve tenure security and the registration of communal land rights, developing an integrated regional land use plan and infrastructure investment in small-scale communal farming was launched in Kunene.
Land reform minister Calle Schlettwein recently launched the communal land development programme in Opuwo.
During the launch, Schlettwein noted that N$30 million has been given for the Kunene region for this programme and will fund communal land rights’ registration, which is ongoing, spatial planning of land use, investment planning through local level participatory planning, support to beneficiaries and support to the ministry’s regional office structures as well as the provision of equipment.
“Of course, security of tenure brings about value for that person who has their rights secured and a possibility to leverage that asset for funding for further developments,” he emphasised.
Schlettwein indicated that the work of a consultancy cannot commence when they have not yet consulted with the local community on the programme.
The government will make funds available, but the community is the one to decide which land is available, who the beneficiaries are, and what the modalities for beneficiaries’ contributions to development would be.
“The idea is to create employment for local people, hence income generation,” the minister added.
Chief Vemuii Tjambiru of the Kakurukouje Traditional Authority welcomed the development in the region, and recognised government’s efforts. However, he requested ministry officials to present this information at constituency level for the local community to get the same information.
Ombuku Traditional Authority senior councillor Musengua Tjiposa expressed concern over what the powers of the traditional authority are. He also questioned whether the ministry will provide a market for their products.
Tjiposa furthermore wanted to know how the project will be implemented, given that the identified areas are open.
The director of resettlement and regional programme implementation Alfred Sikopo said the consultants will be meeting the community to identify their needs and make them understand the programme.
“We cannot start spending the money without us planning on whom and for what we are spending the money. That is what the consultancy will come to do, just to facilitate that process so that we know what is needed and how much,” Sikopo stated.
He said the programme will also be tailored to suit the needs of the community.
*Cecilia Xavier works for the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in Opuwo.