Allexer Namundjembo
The Ongwediva Town Council has announced the sale of 19 erven, with some costing N$5 per square meter.
Last Friday, the council announced in a local newspaper that it is selling 19 immovable properties in the form of plots.
For instance, Erf number 1 000, a single residential plot belonging to the late Frieda Nefungo and measuring 421 square meters in Efidi Extension 3, is currently for sale at a cost of only N$2 315.50, which translates to N$5.50 per square meter.
The notice further indicated that Erf number 450, a single residential erf in Extension One, measuring 450 square meters, is costing N$78 800, which means that the plot is N$175.10 per square meter.
However, a plot measuring 1 340 square meters is on sale, costing N$7 370. This plot costs N$5.50 per square meter.
By comparing the prices and the size of the plots, it is evident that the Ongwediva Town Council is selling land at a lower price compared to other towns.
Karibib Town Council recently advertised unimproved erven costing between N$25 000 and N$80 000.
Mayor Taarah Shalyefu of the Ongwediva Town Council has stated that he is unaware of the advertisements that local newspapers published.
“I was out of the office for some time, and I have no idea about the advert. Kindly contact our public relations officer, Shalyefu said.
The Ongwediva Town Council Spokesperson Otillie Shingenge has said the Ongwediva Town Council has recently passed a resolution allowing the sale of listed plots to residents who have been living at these locations prior to the area becoming part of the town.
“The decision aims to formalize the ownership of the land for long-standing residents, providing them with an opportunity to purchase the plots they have inhabited for years,” she said.
The move, according to Shingenge, aims to encourage land ownership and stability within the community, giving those who contributed to the area’s development prior to its incorporation into Ongwediva the opportunity to legally secure their homes.
“The plots advertised are already having owners. Each location has its own rates for how prices are determined. Locations such as Omatando were recently formalised and there have been people living in that location before it was formalized. When the council realized that the location fell within the jurisdiction of the town, some people opted to formalize their residential plots, so those people have a special case and will not be charged as those that have not been living there,” Shingengesaid.
She explained that although a plot may be large in size, the council is charging a low price, in accordance with the council’s resolution.
The council has serviced the land, and Shingenge added that those applying for the listed plots already have access to all essential services like water, sewerage, and electricity.
