Windhoek launches campaign to tackle illegal land grabbing
The City of Windhoek has launched a community engagement and education campaign in the Samora Machel Constituency to raise awareness about illegal land grabbing and promote safer, lawful settlement practices. The initiative, which commenced today in the Goreangab area, will run over four weekends until 11 April 2026. It will cover several neighbourhoods, including Kahumba Kandola, Thlabanelo, Hadino Hishongwa, Peter Nanyemba and Brenden Simbwaye.
The campaign brings together community leaders and residents in a series of informative sessions aimed at strengthening local capacity to address land-related challenges. A key focus is empowering neighbourhood committee members with the knowledge and tools needed to guide their communities in dealing with issues related to land occupation and development. During the sessions, residents are being educated on the dangers associated with illegal land occupation. Authorities highlighted the risks of constructing homes in unsuitable areas such as riverbeds and beneath power lines, warning that such practices pose serious safety hazards.
In addition, residents are being encouraged to follow proper procedures when extending or renovating their homes. This includes visiting the City of Windhoek’s Human Settlements offices to complete the necessary documentation and obtain official approval before undertaking any construction work. Officials also stressed the importance of maintaining access roads within informal settlements. Residents were advised not to block these routes, as doing so could delay critical emergency services such as fire and ambulance responses, potentially putting lives at risk.
As part of broader community safety efforts, residents were encouraged to establish neighbourhood watch groups and to report any illegal activities to the City. The campaign aims not only to curb illegal land grabbing but also to foster safer, more organised communities through increased awareness and cooperation. The City has emphasised that the success of the initiative will depend on active community participation and adherence to lawful processes, as it works to address ongoing land challenges in the constituency.
