Erongo Governor Neville Andre says resettlement is a fundamental aspect of the government's commitment to social justice and the equitable distribution of resources.

Andre said this during the regional consultative meeting on the review of the Resettlement Policy of 2023, held in Swakopmund.

Andre says the notion of resettlement is the voluntary movement of an individual or group of people from an area with marginal agricultural conditions and poor social infrastructure to a place or area designated by the government where better land and social amenities can be provided.

In terms of food production, he says, self-employment and income-generating skills are important for the acceleration of land delivery and to drive economic development.

In some communities, the governor noted overcrowding of livestock and land degradation.

"This workshop aims to review and refine the existing national resettlement criteria to address any gaps or challenges that may be hindering its effectiveness. Throughout the course of this gathering, we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and contribute to formulating a revised set of criteria that will lead to more effective and efficient national resettlement procedures. Your valuable input and expertise are vital in shaping a sustainable and inclusive framework that will benefit our deserving citizens. I encourage you to actively participate, share your experiences, and provide constructive suggestions during the workshops and group sessions. Let us foster an environment of open dialogue, collaboration, and respect to collectively address the complexities tied to resettlement criteria."

Andre asked that by the end of the review, it should ensure that all criteria cater to dispossessed communities, youth, women, marginalised groups, generational farm workers, and large communal farmers in line with the spirit of the 2nd National Land Conference.