Following failed discussions over plot allocations, residents of Kap n Bou took to the streets demanding that Otavi Town Council avail them land to build houses.

Leading the group, Wilfred Somseb said informal settlers paid N$200 each for a surveyor and allocation of 120 plots.

The residents said they have exhausted all avenues over five years, with no positive feedback from the council.

Somseb stated that currently the area has two communal water standpipes, but there is no electricity.

“On several occasions we requested the town council to complete the outstanding town development programs as a matter of concern to avoid unnecessary community marches and unhappiness. We, the residents, are not satisfied with the way the town council is delaying the upgrading process of settlements. We are petitioning the Otavi town council to allocate the open plots to the waiting list paid-up community members as soon as possible.”

Protestors threatened to occupy land illegally if the council does not respond by the end of this month.

“We have been informed by the town council that land grabbing is no more allowed as per the government instructions. It is clear that the town council has not made any effort to resolve the land grab issue, and the community still continues to grab land. The town council is too slow to service land to avoid land grabbing and always complains of no funds.”

The petition was received by Otavi Mayor Laina Kondjila.

“We are going to sit as councillors, and after our deliberations, we will give you an answer to the questions raised in your petition. Thank you very much.”

The settlement was created in 2016 with over 500 households.