Stefanus Nashama
Ivan Skrywer, chairperson of the Formalisation of Informal Settlements and Integration of Groot Aub Council Advisory Committee, has accused elites of grabbing land on the outskirts of Groot Aub.
Skrywer, who is also a City of Windhoek (CoW) councillor, told the Windhoek Observer over the weekend that wealthy individuals acquire land, hire farm workers, and live in Windhoek’s affluent suburbs while the local population struggles.
“They think they are untouchable, but through my office, I will deal with them,” Skrywer said.
According to Skrywer, the issue of land grabbing has been exacerbated by the involvement of powerful figures.
“This is a big issue,” Skrywer remarked.
He claimed some of the perpetrators are protected by individuals in higher offices.
During a recent Windhoek municipality briefing, strategic executives and senior officials discussed challenges in Groot Aub.
Skrywer blamed large-scale farming for the shortage of water in the area.
Skrywer revealed that last December, while the city pumped enough water for residents, farming activities led to a significant water shortage.
“People in Groot Aub proper can’t even extend their houses or build toilets for themselves, yet the elites with their Land Cruisers and expensive cars are fencing off farms,” Skrywer stated.
He criticised the government ministers, who he claimed have been interfering on behalf of their friends involved in land grabs.
“These ministers must also behave and stay in their lane. They can’t be interfering every time their friends run to them,” he said.
He did not disclose the names of the elites whom he accused of grabbing land.
Last week the City of Windhoek issued a statement on its official Facebook page, assuring residents that the city police are monitoring the situation.
The municipality called for legal intervention against land grabbing and pledged to protect the residents’ rights.
“The city remains committed to safeguarding resources and ensuring fair access to essential services for all residents,” the CoW stated.
