Plans to repatriate 201 Namibian descendents from Botswana to Gam Settlement in the Otjozondjupa Region have hit a snag.

Otjozondjupa Governor James Uerikua confirmed that the initial plan to repatriate the community by the end of this year is stalled due to logistical challenges.

Uerikua points to transportation challenges, including the suggested travel dates for moving the people, their furniture, and their livestock of about 18,000.

"One of the key challenges was the issue of transportation, but we, as the Government of Namibia, indicated that there are five buses available that are made available by the NDF and five trucks made available through the defence force and the Ministry of Works. So as of when transport becomes an issue, they need to communicate the same, but in terms of the nitty-gritty in terms of how far and where the Botswana Government sits, I am not aware."

Another concern is that, following the announcement that they would be relocated, many of the descendants have since surrendered their Botswana citizenship.

"The people that have so far expressed the willingness to come have already denounced their citizenships, and of course now they are already given citizenship of Namibia, and as a result, their continuing to be Botswana is putting them in a corner as far as social safety nets are concerned. So it is our wish to actually have them here, as they have expressed, so that they will be able to carry on with their daily lives and integrate socio-economically." 

In July this year, Uerikua revealed 118 citizenships granted to individuals, including 51 dependents, of which 32 have not denounced their Batswana status.

An inter-ministerial committee has been set up to ensure water infrastructure, electric fencing, tents, and sufficient food supplies.

Also on the cards are expected upgrades to the community health centre and local schools.