11/10/2026
RUNDU TOWN COUNCIL LAND DISPUTE RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT POLITICAL INTERFERENCE IN LOCAL AUTHORITY AFFAIRS.
In 2013, the Rundu Town Council reportedly allocated land opposite Elias Neromba School to Norton Nelson and John Paul for a proposed development that included residential houses, a shopping centre and a private hospital. However, the project allegedly failed to materialise for more than a decade.
According to a source, the council repeatedly engaged the beneficiaries over the development, but the proposed project remained unimplemented. The council eventually withdrew the offer, reportedly seeking to make the land available for alternative development.
The situation appears to have taken a new turn following the reported involvement of Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, who allegedly arrived in Rundu in the company of the two beneficiaries and pressured council management to reconsider its decision and return the land.
The reported intervention has raised questions about the independence of local authority management and the role of political leaders in decisions concerning public land.
The council had reportedly intended to service the land and sell plots to individual residents, an approach that could potentially create opportunities for ordinary residents to acquire land and develop their own homes.
Critics argue that allowing prime land to remain undeveloped for more than a decade raises legitimate concerns about the effective use of municipal land, particularly at a time when many residents face challenges accessing affordable land and housing.
The controversy also highlights broader questions about the purpose and authority of local government structures. If elected local authority representatives are expected to make decisions that respond to community needs, critics argue that such decisions should not be undermined by political interventions without clear justification.
At the centre of the dispute is a fundamental question: should prime municipal land remain tied up for years under an unrealised development proposal, or should the local authority be allowed to pursue alternatives that could benefit a wider section of the community?
While the beneficiaries may have their reasons for seeking the land back, any reconsideration of the council's decision should be guided by transparent procedures, documented commitments and the public interest.
The Rundu land dispute underscores the need for accountability, consistency and responsible management of public resources. Residents deserve clarity on the original allocation, the reasons for its withdrawal, the proposed development commitments and the circumstances surrounding the reported push to reverse the decision.
Ultimately, decisions over public land should be based on established rules and the needs of the community, rather than political pressure or individual interests. The people of Rundu deserve local governance that prioritises their everyday challenges, including access to land, housing and essential services.
