Accusations and counter-allegations around the unscrupulous allocation of residential plots at Okahandja’s various informal settlements has erupted into a heated war of words between Otjozondjupa governor John //Khamuseb and the town’s leadership.
In a letter dated 10 September 2025, addressed to Okahandja municipality CEO Alphons Tjitombo, governor //Khamuseb requested that all activities pertaining to the allocation of plots and surveying of land in informal settlements be ceased until a formal engagement between himself and the town’s political leadership takes place.
In his letter, //Khamuseb raised concern with the ongoing inappropriate allocation of plots and land surveying activities at the town, which he said have caused great dismay and disgruntlement amongst community members.
“After I have received complaints from Okahandja residents during the 17 August 2025 meeting, I was informed that Mr Jason, the town planner after surveying the informal settlement areas plots, issues one plot with more than one plot number and allocates one plot to several people. With reference to our telephonic conversation and through SMS, I have requested you humbly to inform the Town Planner to cease with the allocation and surveying of plots in the informal settlement areas,” reads //Khamuseb’s letter to Tjitombo.
The governor, in his letter, further informed the town’s leadership that he plans to soon personally visit the town for a formal engagement with the municipality’s full council to address the matter.
Contacted for comment yesterday, //Khamuseb acknowledged that there are burning land issues at Okahandja that need to be resolved urgently, saying his office and the town’s leadership will work together to resolve the matter.
Resistance
//Khamuseb’s letter was received with sheer rejection by the town’s leadership, with Okahandja deputy mayor Akser Aupindi writing back to the governor to condemn what he terms as interference in the internal affairs and operational processes of the municipality.
“I am writing on behalf of Okahandja Municipal Council to express our deep concern regarding recent interference by your office in the affairs of Okahandja Municipality, specifically related to land allocation activities. It came to our notice that you personally contacted our CEO, behind our back, instructing him and the entire management to halt all land allocation activities to our residents within the municipal jurisdiction. Governor, such interference is not only unwarranted, uncalled for, but also hampers our efforts to serve the community effectively and in accordance with established legal framework and administrative procedures,” said Aupindi in his response.
Aupindi maintained that their activities on the allocation of plots and land surveying will go ahead as planned, as //Khamuseb is not constitutionally empowered to interfere in the operational processes of the municipality.
“While we recognise and acknowledge the need for proper coordination and adherence to regional guidelines, we firmly believe that all decisions regarding land allocation should be left with the Okahandja municipality’s elected leaders under the leadership of the mayor Beatrice Kotungondo, without undue influence or pressure from external authorities such as your office. We take into consideration that you [//Khamuseb] are not an elected leader, but appointed to represent an individual persona,” added Aupindi. He continued: “It also came to our attention that during your telephonic conversation with our CEO, you motioned that you are acting that way because there is a certain group called Promised Land Residents Association (PLARA), which is not happy with the process. I must set the record straight that Okahandja Municipal Council does not report to your office, neither report to PLARA as an organisation. Equally we are not serving a certain group, but we serve all residents without discrimination.”
-ohembapu@nepc.com.na