Sankwasa Warns Rundu Council Over Illegal Land Allocation

• Minister James Sankwasa warned the Rundu Town Council to follow the law when allocating land.
• All land allocations require ministerial approval and must comply with prescribed legal procedures.
• Non-compliance with legal procedures can expose councils to liability for irregularities or disputes related to land allocation.

The warning comes as part of ongoing efforts by the ministry to ensure transparency and accountability in land management across Namibia.

The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has taken a firm stance against the Rundu Town Council, warning them to adhere strictly to the law when allocating land. This warning was issued by Minister James Sankwasa during a meeting at Rundu on Monday. The minister emphasized that all land allocations require his approval and must comply with prescribed legal procedures. He stressed that adherence to the law is critical in preventing any potential irregularities or disputes related to land allocation.

The warning comes as part of ongoing efforts by the ministry to ensure transparency and accountability in land management across Namibia.

According to Minister Sankwasa, the law governing land allocations is clear: all allocations must receive ministerial approval before they can be finalized. This requirement is not only a matter of procedure but also ensures that all land allocations are done in accordance with the prescribed legal procedures. The ministry's stance on this issue highlights the importance of compliance with existing laws and regulations in preventing potential liabilities for non-compliant councils.

The Rundu Town Council, like other local authorities in Namibia, is responsible for managing land within its jurisdiction. However, they must do so in accordance with the law, which includes obtaining ministerial approval for all land allocations.

The warning issued by Minister Sankwasa serves as a reminder to local authorities that non-compliance with legal procedures can have serious consequences. If the Rundu Town Council fails to adhere to the law, it may expose itself to liability for any irregularities or disputes related to land allocation. This highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in land management, not only for the council but also for the ministry responsible for overseeing local authorities.

The situation in Rundu is a critical reminder that adherence to the law is essential in preventing potential problems and ensuring that land allocations are done fairly and transparently.

Lawyers should note that, according to Minister James Sankwasa, all land allocations in Rundu require ministerial approval and must comply with prescribed legal procedures, potentially exposing non-compliant councils to liability.

Source: Original reporting via The Namibian