Cool heads prevail over land disputeThe decade-long land dispute between the Ongwediva Town Council and Omatando residents has been amicably resolved. Traditional authority intervenes at Omatando The Oukwanyama Traditional Authority has intervened and settled a long-drawn out dispute pitting the Ongwediva Town Council against some residents of Omatando. The town council has accused residents of Omatando No. 1, 2 and 3 villages of holding back township development in their areas, while Omatando residents question how their villages became part of Ongwediva townlands in 2003 without their consent.
Chairperson of the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority George Nelulu confirmed to Namibian Sun that earlier this month, the traditional leaders held a meeting with the residents and the town council where the decade-long dispute was resolved. “We told Omatando residents how the land was acquired. We also informed them that we are not against development,” Nelulu said.
“We told the town council that proper procedures must be followed and they must make landowners happy. These people were settled by the traditional authority. This was a win-win situation and all parties agree to cooperate.”
During the standoff, Omatando residents accused the town council of trying to take their land without proper compensation. Ongwediva mayor Angelina Angula expressed gratitude for the outcome of the meeting, adding that the town council will now go ahead with its development plans for Omatando. “I am happy that after many years we have resolved the dispute. Residents thought we were lying when we told them that we acquired the land procedurally. We will start formalising the area very soon and I am hoping that there will be no problems anymore,” Angula said.
“We are only going to compensate those who settled there before the land was surveyed. Those that came after we are going to negotiate with them. If they can afford the land then they can buy it and stay, but those who are going to be affected by streets, sewer and water lines, we will negotiate with them to vacate the land freely.”
Community spokesperson Liinekela Shipindo also said they will respect the agreement, but cautioned that they will not be taken for a ride.
“Is a good agreement, as long as they are going to stick to it we are going to cooperate, but if not then we are also not going to honour it,” Shipindo said.
ILENI NANDJATO