Master list will cripple favouritismMinister Sophia Shaningwa has demanded planning and structure from local authorities in the form of a master list for the distribution of land and houses. Shangingwa calls town councils to order 0 Urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa has slammed favouritism in the allocation of land and houses which she says has caused disharmony in the distribution process.Shaningwa said in order for town councils to effectively allocate houses and plots more transparently they should compile what she calls a ‘master list’.
Talking to Namibian Sun, Shaningwa said if town councils and municipalities establish a master list or database of the people who need houses or plots in their respective towns it will result in a smooth allocation process in the future.
Shaningwa explained that favouritism is one of the corrupt practices she observed that has created disharmony in towns. She said in some instances a person who applied for land 20 years ago still does not have land while people who can influence officials are given land immediately.
She said the idea of a master list surfaced when she was appointed as minister and she observed that a number of corrupt practices were rife in local authorities, especially in the allocation of houses.
Shaningwa said the problem of favouritism and nepotism had also surfaced during a number of stakeholder engagement meetings she held with community members countrywide adding that it was one of the major pitfalls of local authorities.
“I found it very unfair and this will not create the harmony we seek. Favouring others without following procedures is unlawful and it should not be tolerated,” the minister cautioned.
Shaningwa hailed Nkurenkuru Town Council for being the only town that has submitted their master list to her office so far and she also applauded Oshakati for its efforts in servicing and availing land to the residents at a reasonable price.
“I am encouraging all town councils and municipalities to establish a master list for the process of allocating houses effectively,” she urged.
Shaningwa said once the lists are submitted to her office, it becomes difficult for them to be altered to favour certain individuals. She further explained that the allocation of houses and land would be further determined by the affordability of the properties to the applicants.
“It is not automatic that if your name is first on the list, you will be the first to get a house but it will depend if you can afford it. If houses are available and they are way beyond your income level, the people who will be considered are those that are first on the list that can afford them,” Shaningwa explained.
The minister said her ministry is committed to address the housing situation which is one of the pressing issues the country is faced with.