Gobabis residents block land sale to Mbatjiua Construction

• Gobabis residents have vowed to stop the sale of 100 unserviced residential plots to Mbatjiua Construction CC.
• The proposed sale has sparked concerns among residents who feel that their interests are being overlooked.
• The Gobabis municipality had issued a public notice advertising the sale of more than 13.4 hectares of land in Extension 6 for over N$8.8 million.

Residents argue that local people should be given first preference before private developers when it comes to accessing land.

Gobabis residents have taken a firm stance against the proposed sale of 100 unserviced residential plots to Mbatjiua Construction CC. According to local sources, the opposition is driven by a desire to prioritize the needs of local people over private developers. The Gobabis municipality had issued a public notice advertising the sale of more than 13.4 hectares of land in Extension 6 for over N$8.8 million. This move has sparked concerns among residents who feel that their interests are being overlooked.

The proposed sale has been met with resistance from local residents, who argue that they should be given first preference when it comes to accessing land. They claim that the municipality's decision to sell the plots to a private developer is unfair and neglects the needs of the community.

The sale of unserviced residential plots in Extension 6 is governed by the Namibian Land Reform Act, which prioritizes the interests of local communities. However, the Gobabis municipality's decision to sell the land to Mbatjiua Construction CC appears to contradict this principle. Lawyers advising clients on land acquisition in Namibia should be aware of the potential for community resistance and ensure that their clients are prepared to address local concerns before proceeding with a purchase.

The proposed sale has raised questions about the municipality's adherence to the Land Reform Act, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing local interests when it comes to land allocation. The opposition from residents highlights the need for greater transparency and consultation in the land allocation process.

The proposed sale of unserviced residential plots in Extension 6 has significant implications for the community. If the sale goes ahead, it could lead to further gentrification and displacement of local residents. The opposition from residents also highlights the need for greater community involvement in land allocation decisions.

The outcome of this dispute will have far-reaching consequences for the Gobabis municipality's relationship with its residents. It will be interesting to see how the municipality responds to the concerns raised by the community and whether they are willing to revisit their decision to sell the plots to Mbatjiua Construction CC.

Lawyers advising clients on land acquisition in Namibia should be aware of the potential for community resistance and ensure that their clients are prepared to address local concerns before proceeding with a purchase.

Source: Original reporting via The Namibian