Okahandja makes strides in informal settlement land allocation
On 15 August, Okahandja mayor Beatrice Kotungondo, together with Councillor Natasha Brinkman and the municipality’s Town Planning Department, met residents of Ekunde 1, 2, 3, 6 and Five Rand to provide an update on progress in the ongoing land allocation process.The municipality reported significant achievements in both surveying and re-blocking exercises across the town’s informal settlements.
Five Rand Settlement
Surveying of the entire Five Rand informal settlement was completed within just a week of starting on 14 July 2025. The preliminary layout shows 852 erven, of which 813 are zoned for single residential use. So far, 722 erven (89%) have been allocated. The remaining erven were found unsuitable for allocation, either because they fall within river areas or due to new structures being erected.
Block-by-block results show that Block 7 recorded the highest number of erven at 123 (15%), while Block 9 had the lowest with 17 (2%). Around 60% of residents with allocated plots have already moved and adjusted their fences, but some roads remain blocked by residents still waiting for allocation.
Ekunde Extensions
In Ekunde Extensions 1, 2, 3 and 6, major progress has also been made. Out of 4 446 erven in total, 4 162 are zoned for single residential use, with allocations reaching 50.4% completion.
• Extension 1: Of 523 erven, 505 (96%) have been allocated, with the remaining 4% unfit due to river areas. Re-blocking is almost 90% complete.
• Extension 2: Of 759 erven, 557 (73%) have been allocated, while 22% are unsuitable. Re-blocking is 56% complete.
• Extension 3: Of 857 erven, 687 (80%) have been allocated. Re-blocking is at 40%, though many residents have yet to move. This remains the most challenging extension due to its density and river areas.
• Extension 6: Allocations have not yet begun, as the municipality is prioritising completion of Extension 3 first.
Funding and challenges
A bank statement seen by Network Media Hub shows a current balance of N$253 020 in the Council’s First National Bank account. The Council initially contributed N$350 000, with payments to the surveyor totalling N$740 000 to date.
Despite steady progress, several challenges remain. These include the erection of new structures on land earmarked for erven, roads or open spaces; the removal of pegs and stones; and residents refusing to move to their allocated plots. Permanent structures encroaching onto roads have also complicated the re-blocking process.
Mayor Kotungondo reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to ensuring a fair allocation process and orderly re-blocking, aimed at improving living conditions and providing greater security for residents in these settlements.