Martin Endjala
A community leader from the Ndongo village, Martin Maghano has criticised the Divundu Village Council for failing to bring essential services closer to the people.
He expressed disappointment over the lack of notable progress since the establishment of Divundu’s village council seven years ago.
“There is only one road and a mini-mall with a few shops,” he said.
Divundu has a mall owned by Chinese businesswoman Stina Wu, which houses a supermarket, a furniture store, a stationery shop, and several clothing shops.
The village also has a Metro wholesaler, a building warehouse, and a Shoprite that is expected to open its doors later this year.
Maghano also voiced his concerns about the transfer of land to outsiders without community consultations.
“This blueberry project is moving our people out of their land, and those not willing to move out are given rental fees of N$500 per hectare, which is very little. You cannot bring development at the expense of the community,” he claimed.
He advised the council to ensure thorough community consultations and avoid making decisions that primarily benefit those in power.
Maghano warned that such practices could lead to community displacement and unrest.
Divundu Village Council chairperson Katoyima Kupembona explained the council’s achievements and ongoing efforts.
He acknowledged that while there are still areas in Divundu with water scarcity, the council has made strides in setting up boreholes and providing water to residents.
“One of the council’s agendas is to transition from a village council to a town by 2026,” he said.
Kupembona pointed out budgetary constraints as a major challenge to developing the village.
“These are some of the challenges we are facing as the council. We sit and discuss issues, but the ministry delays resolutions for approval, and this needs to change,” he said.
Addressing allegations about the Namibia Berry project, which farms blueberries in Divundu, Kupembona denied claims that the council allocated land to it without consulting the community.
“The project owners approached us, and we did our diligence and consulted the community since the project would bring jobs. These claims are unfounded. We did everything by the book and will continue to do so,” he explained.
Kupembona added that the project owners have agreed to council terms to ensure it benefits the community.
As part of the investors’ contributions, the project has installed solar lights, provided garden training, and created employment opportunities for locals.
“We are also engaging various retailers to come and set up their businesses in the town as we plan to extend the mini mall we have, which only has Choppies, Rani Group, and Style. We want to be able to provide all essential goods and services to the people,” said Kupembona.
