OMUTHIYA – A move to evict hundreds of residents from Endombo compound in Tsumeb has taken another turn as a committee dealing with the matter earlier this week resolved to halt the process. 

This follows the intervention of urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni. The eviction was scheduled for this Sunday.  
The decision to seek Uutoni’s intervention comes at the backdrop of government’s keen interest in the matter, with a view to find a solution and avoid possible eviction. 

Tenants have been demanding to be provided with alternative accommodation by the Tsumeb municipality should efforts to force them out of the compound succeed. 

The tenants have been accused of not honouring their monthly rental. Approached for comment, Uutoni said he will only be in a position to comment on the issue once back in the office.  

“I will only be in the office next week; therefore, the Tsumeb municipality will be in a better position to explain to you,” he said. 
Property owner Christo Groenewald in an interview with New Era in December said the property was valued at N$17 million, adding he was open to negotiations for as long government also agrees to purchase it with interest and outstanding rental fees. 
Initially, tenants were to be evicted from the property in December last year.

 However, following deliberations, a collective decision was taken for a final remand to 31 January, which has now also failed to materialise. 
The issue has been dragging on for more than three years now after tenants objected to a rental increment, arguing the compound was not in a good condition to justify an increase. 

In addition, tenants are also disputing the ownership of the property. 
The matter continued despite the High Court in May ruling in favour of Groenewald.
 Last year, Groenewald testified as at 6 May 2020, the total outstanding rental fees stood at N$684 360, adding the amount has been going up by about N$17 000 a month.
- osimasiku@nepc.com.na