By Mathias Haufiku
WINDHOEK – As the Windhoek Municipality struggles to devise measures to deal with the proliferation of illegal squatters the city mayor Agnes Kafula has warned resisents to desist from occupying land illegally.
She urged residents to “bear with the council” while it addresses the housing crisis.
With Namibians set to go to the polls in November, Kafula says she is aware there are people who will try to use the upcoming elections as an opportunity to occupy land illegally.
“We know it becomes a tool [land grabbing] used by people during an election year whereby they threaten that if they are evicted they will not vote. This will not be tolerated,” said Kafula.
Kafula made the remarks after the city council approved a N$4,1 billion budget for 2015 at its monthly meeting.
The council said it would work tirelessly to provide more serviced land for housing and commercial development.
The Windhoek Municipality earlier this year warned it will not tolerate people occupying land illegally and will destroy any illegal structures within the town’s boundaries.
Local media earlier this year reported that N$60 million worth of land is being illegally occupied by squatters and the financial burden placed on the city as a result of illegal water and electricity connections totals over N$350 million.