Staff Reporter
The community of Gobabis strongly objects to the “non-procedural” allocation of Nuwehoop Farm to the Omaheke Governor, Pijoo Nganate, and the Office of the Mayor, alleging that these two officials might be using their positions for personal gain. Councilor Izak de Beer of the Gobabis Municipality cautioned that the Gobabis Municipal Council’s procedures guiding the disposal/letting of land were not complied with.
The petition, spearheaded by Ministry of Youth official Veronia Mokaleng-Kuzeeko and three others, highlights that the Gobabis and Omaheke Region envisaged the Nuwehoop Farm project of the Governor in “partnership with the Office of the Mayor” for the alleviation of malnutrition that is claiming the lives of many Gobabis inhabitants.
However, Mokaleng-Kuzeeko emphasized that the Gobabis community cannot determine the benefits it will enjoy and questioned where the proceeds of the farming project would go. She stated, “We are not assured of the benefits of this project. It is only when the Governor and the Mayor provide us with a substantive business plan outlining and clarifying every component of the project in detail. In further support of the project, we expect to be provided with the registration of the legal entity that will oversee the entire project. A detailed cost breakdown and startup capital are among the most crucial matters that should be shared with our Gobabis community. We would like to know how many job opportunities will be created by this project and how many of our people will benefit from it. What will the proceeds of the project production be used for? Is this a business venture between the Governor and the Mayor?” Mokaleng-Kuzeeko questioned.
She further added that it is disturbing that the Governor told the Mayor, “you can also retire there.” “This statement is very concerning because it creates the impression that these two public figures are using their positions for their own personal gain. In conclusion, we are governed by the legislation of the great Republic of Namibia and should always adhere to it. No one is above the law. We condemn the allocation of 250 hectares for a 25-year lease at absolutely no cost. If the Governor and the Mayor present their substantive business proposal, and the council resolves to allocate Nuwehoop Farm to them, let it please be for a smaller hectare size and a lease period of 3 years at the market-related price. We demand this in order for the Gobabis Municipality to retain its rental income and to provide other members of the community with the opportunity to lease a part of Nuwehoop Farm and share in the prosperity of our region,” Mokaleng-Kuzeeko concluded.
