Favouritism alleged in Namibia farm resettlement scheme

There has long been unhappiness among residents of the Omaheke region of Namibia over alleged irregularities, unfairness and even corruption in the allocation of resettlement farms. One grievance is that prominent citizens seem to be favoured in the allocation of resettlement farms. The other more serious allegation is that outright bribery is taking place, with the finger of suspicion mainly pointed at the regional office of the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement.

To investigate these allegations, the Omaheke Regional Settlement Committee is to undertake an extensive review of its allocation of resettlement farms. Permanent Secretary of Lands and Resettlement Frans Tsheehama confirmed that the National Advisory Committee on Land Reform had requested the Omaheke review.

The allegations are that people are paying as much as N$10 000 under the table, or cattle, kudu and even offering sexual favours to ensure their applications are fast-tracked and end up on the short list. Sources say that those who are not prepared to offer these inducements can forget about their application forms looking anything like they did when they submitted them, by the time they reach the Resettlement Committee.

It is alleged that people at the Lands office tamper with application forms, supporting documents such as copies of I.D.s and brand certificates mysteriously disappear. Residents also allege that political influence-peddling is rife, with a surprising number of politically influential and well-connected people receiving prime resettlement farms.

source : New Era