Officials have documented 56 illegal fencing cases across Kavango West communal lands. The regional land board deputy director Justine Milinga reported Tuesday that only one case needed formal removal through agriculture ministry intervention after the person refused to take down their fence voluntarily. Investigations revealed 30 violations in Ukwangali Traditional Authority areas and 26 in Mbunza territories. The board issued removal notices for 11 properties, with decisions pending on the remaining cases.
According to Milinga, land sales present the biggest regional challenge. Appeals against fence removal orders cause significant delays because the board must wait for final judgments before acting. Most violators have consent letters from traditional authorities indicating tribal support for their land claims. The board accepts these allocations but objects to unauthorized fencing that restricts public access.
Residents may legally fence homesteads, gardens, crop fields, boreholes, and kraals but cannot enclose shared grazing lands or areas used for wild fruit collection and medicine gathering. Community complaints typically arise when people lose access to common resources. Improper authorization procedures result in removal notices following investigations. Milinga warned the public that illegal fencing violates the law and carries penalties.
According to Milinga, land sales present the biggest regional challenge. Appeals against fence removal orders cause significant delays because the board must wait for final judgments before acting. Most violators have consent letters from traditional authorities indicating tribal support for their land claims. The board accepts these allocations but objects to unauthorized fencing that restricts public access.
Residents may legally fence homesteads, gardens, crop fields, boreholes, and kraals but cannot enclose shared grazing lands or areas used for wild fruit collection and medicine gathering. Community complaints typically arise when people lose access to common resources. Improper authorization procedures result in removal notices following investigations. Milinga warned the public that illegal fencing violates the law and carries penalties.
