Kaoko Fria Investment has broken its silence following a statement by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) about the proposed Kaoko Fria Smart City at Cape Angra Fria in the Skeleton Coast area.

In a press release, the company moved to defend its project, setting out a timeline of submissions, consultations, and regulatory steps that it says have been followed since 2021.

Kaoko Fria Investment says it stands by its proposed Kaoko Fria Smart City project, despite the MEFT distancing itself from it.

It adds that no construction has started in the Skeleton Coast area and that current registrations are only for data collection, not land or jobs.

This comes after Environment Minister Indileni Daniel told Parliament she had not approved or authorised the project.

Daniel was responding to questions from Nico Somaeb, of the United Democratic Front in the National Assembly, who raised concerns about reports of mobilisation and recruitment linked to the alleged smart city.

Daniel dismissed the project as a "story" and said she only learned about it through social media.

The developer says it remains in contact with authorities and is ready to provide additional information.