The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, has appealed to the municipality of Walvis Bay to provide free land for much-needed services such as schools and hospitals at Farm 37.

He made this appeal during the Walvis Bay Seafers United Land and Housing Federation's launch of its Fishermen Village and Investment Trust at a fundraising gala dinner.

Uutoni says the government struggles to get land from local authorities, but their prices are very expensive, which delays development in some areas.

Many people migrate from urban to rural areas in search of greener pastures and for the betterment of their livelihoods, but that hope is not always fulfilled.

Farm 37, known as Green Valley, was officially proclaimed a new township of the harbour town, following Narraville, which was established 61 years ago.

Situated about nine kilometres east of Walvis Bay, the new suburb has a potential population of about 30,000 inhabitants.

Uutoni requested that the Walvis Bay Seafers United Land and Housing Federation develop portion 18 at Farm 37 into a fishermen's village to cater to the housing needs of those who are working in the fishing industry at an affordable and reasonable price.

The fishermen lost their jobs after an illegal industrial strike in 2015 and have been camping near the Kuisebmond Football Stadium at Walvis Bay for about five years as part of those who migrated.