Land allocation in Namibia is a total mess, causing literal shootouts and massive corruption. Shadow minister Armas Amukoto dragged traditional authorities online for supposedly wrecking the system through favoritism. This clapback followed James Sankwasa pinning recent violence on Communal Land Boards. Amukoto insists the government official misread the actual laws regarding who holds power.
The opposition figure argued that village chiefs hold sole power over distribution while boards merely rubber-stamp papers. He told reporters that wealthy individuals snap up plots because money talks louder than fairness. Amukoto believes communal property turned into a personal piggy bank for those in charge. Vulnerable residents apparently get ignored while insiders secure the best spots.
Fixing this disaster apparently requires stripping headmen of final say. Amukoto suggested that independent bodies should investigate every application before approval happens. He also pitched paying local leaders a regular allowance to discourage bribery. Creating a proper digital database would supposedly stop the chaos of selling the same dirt twice to different buyers.
Other big names are finally reacting to the noise. Immanuel Gaseb from the Council of Traditional Authorities plans to meet stakeholders soon to discuss the drama. Zacharias Seibeb argued that the state is actually at fault for ignoring local input. He feels that new legislation is trying to render chiefs totally powerless.
The opposition figure argued that village chiefs hold sole power over distribution while boards merely rubber-stamp papers. He told reporters that wealthy individuals snap up plots because money talks louder than fairness. Amukoto believes communal property turned into a personal piggy bank for those in charge. Vulnerable residents apparently get ignored while insiders secure the best spots.
Fixing this disaster apparently requires stripping headmen of final say. Amukoto suggested that independent bodies should investigate every application before approval happens. He also pitched paying local leaders a regular allowance to discourage bribery. Creating a proper digital database would supposedly stop the chaos of selling the same dirt twice to different buyers.
Other big names are finally reacting to the noise. Immanuel Gaseb from the Council of Traditional Authorities plans to meet stakeholders soon to discuss the drama. Zacharias Seibeb argued that the state is actually at fault for ignoring local input. He feels that new legislation is trying to render chiefs totally powerless.
