Governor seeks more resources to accelerate land reform

ǁKharas Governor Dawid Gertze has urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to decentralise budgets, accelerate farm acquisitions and equip the region with the resources needed to restore dignity, equity and prosperity through land reform.

"Land is identity, dignity, and the foundation of economic freedom, For decentralisation to be meaningful, the ǁKharas Regional Council must be adequately resourced to deliver services directly to the people," Gertze said.

The governor highlighted that the ministry's Division of Lands had made progress in land security, infrastructure development and revenue collection despite limited resources.

"More than N$270,000 was invested in five solar-powered pumping systems at the Khabus, Uitschot, Melkbos, Tafelkop and Ortmansbaum Oost resettlement farms, alongside the successful drilling of a borehole at Swarthuk Unit C.

"N$500,000 was used to strengthen fencing infrastructure, helping to create productive and secure farming environments.

"Through firm governance, N$457,190 in lease revenue was collected, while three non-performing farming units were withdrawn to uphold accountability," Gertze said.

The ǁKharas Communal Land Board also registered 172 customary land rights.

"In addition, 26 residential properties, including 24 from NAMDEB, were officially transferred to the government to support fair compensation and infrastructure development. These achievements form part of a strategic blueprint for justice, productivity and sustainability in land reform," the governor said.