Following persistent community concerns in Divundu regarding accountability, land management, and basic services, residents last year petitioned for the removal of Divundu Village Council Chief Executive Officer Athanasius Maghumbo (AM). New Era journalist John Muyamba (JM) engaged the CEO to clarify the issues raised by the community.

JM: Residents claim they have not received compensation for land lost since 2016. What is the exact timeline for the remaining payments, and how many individuals are still waiting according to the council records?

AM: The Divundu Village Council compensates affected residents as and when funds become available. These funds are made available through the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. Council has so far paid compensation totalling N$18 million, and our records indicate that the leader of the demonstration is the main beneficiary, having been paid multiple times since 2016.

JM: What criteria does the council use to allocate plots, and how do you ensure that local residents are not sidelined in favour of external applicants?

AM: The existing criterion is that applicants who have submitted applications for land are considered if they demonstrate affordability. To date, the council has allocated erven to both residents and non-residents. The council does not have a policy that prioritises locals over non-residents. No one is sidelined during the allocation process; the main challenge is affordability.

JM: Some residents allege that land is taken without consultation. What formal public participation mechanisms are in place before the council reclaims community land for development?

AM: Land under the jurisdiction of the local authority is proclaimed land. The Divundu Village Council is the legally mandated entity entrusted with managing land within its jurisdiction. In an urban setting, there is no community land; the only land is urban land, which is administered by a local authority. In this case, it is the Divundu Village Council.

JM: Why have residents been relocated to unserviced areas lacking water and electricity, and what is the council’s immediate plan to provide these basic utilities?

AM: Council records indicate that since its proclamation, no residents have been relocated to areas without basic municipal services. These claims are far-fetched, and we challenge the alleged to provide proof.

JM: There have been reports of a foul-smelling oxidation pond near residential areas. How is the council addressing the health and environmental risks posed by untreated wastewater allegedly flowing into the main river, and is there a plan to relocate the pond?

AM: I am not aware of wastewater spilling from the oxidation pond into the river, and such claims need to be substantiated. The council has earmarked the relocation and upgrading of the oxidation pond as a priority project and will implement it once funding becomes available.

JM: Regarding housing projects, what updates can you provide on current initiatives, including the construction of houses, which the council recently identified as a priority?

AM: Housing provision has always been one of the council’s priorities. Council has approved a few housing initiatives in partnership with the private sector, and we hope these will materialise within the current financial year.

JM: Community members have criticised what they describe as a closed-door policy. How do you plan to improve public engagement and address grievances more transparently?

AM: I have never practised a closed-door policy as suggested. However, precautionary measures were taken to ensure my personal safety after past incidents in which some community members visited my office and nearly became physically violent.

JM: Following recent demonstrations, what specific actions has your office taken to address the demands outlined in the petition submitted to the Kavango East Governor?

AM: After reviewing the issues listed in the petition, it was concluded that the demands are farfetched and lack merit. Once again, the burden of proof lies solely with the allegers, and we call on the petitioners to substantiate any allegations in the petition with credible evidence.

JM: Let’s talk about the pace of development in Divundu. What steps is the council taking to accelerate development and realise the village’s potential as a tourism and transit hub?

AM: The council’s primary mandate is to provide basic municipal services. For any service delivery or development to be introduced, there must first be a proclaimed township. In this regard, the council has initiated the establishment of two new townships, primarily to create residential and business erven. Once this process is completed, the council will be able to respond more effectively to the growing demand for land for residential and commercial purposes, which will, in turn, support broader economic development.

-jmuymba@nepc.com.na