Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Katima Mulilo Town Council has exchanged 31 hectares of land for two vehicles with Windhoek-based company Risk-Based Solutions (RBS) CC, owned by Dr Sindila Mwiya.
A letter dated 15 June 2023, addressed to Dr Mwiya by the town council’s chief executive officer, Raphael Liswaniso, confirmed the deal.
The letter states that the council approved the application to purchase land located near the riverbank northwest of Katima Mulilo during a meeting held on 8 June 2023.
“The Katima Mulilo Town Council (KMTC) is pleased to inform you that your application for the purchase of 31 hectares of land situated adjacent to the riverbank northwest of Katima Mulilo Town has been approved,” wrote Liswaniso. “The resolution to dispose of this land was reached during the KMTC meeting held on the 8th of June 2023.
The letter said the purchase was granted under the Local Authorities Act and included conditions. RBS was required to deliver two SUV vehicles, two new quad bikes, three second-hand quad bikes, and a survey drone to the council.
Liswaniso also instructed the company to donate two quality laptops for the council’s land management system.
According to the letter, RBS is responsible for all statutory costs tied to the land deal.
These include land servicing, planning, transfer costs, zoning, subdivision, and environmental impact assessments.
The company must build in line with approved town planning schemes and consult the council’s planning department.
“RBS is granted permission to commence all planning activities, pending Section 30(1)(t) (ministerial approval) of the Act. Should you accept this offer, we kindly request your formal written acceptance within 30 days. The acceptance should include confirmation of your agreement to the terms and conditions stated above,” said Liswaniso.
He added that the offer depends on completing all legal formalities and receiving all required approvals.
“We believe that this transaction will mutually benefit both Risk-Based Solutions (RBS) CC and the Katima Mulilo Town Council. We look forward to a successful collaboration and the positive development of the designated land,” he said.
On Friday, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, visited Katima Mulilo and ordered the council to return the vehicles it received.
Sankwasa said it was wrong to trade land for movable property because land gains value while vehicles lose value.
“All land belongs to the State; every single piece of soil in Namibia belongs to the State,” he said. “If the land is outside the jurisdiction of the council, it does not mean it becomes free for all, and you can give it away as you want. If it does not have value, then you keep it like that; don’t exchange land for vehicles. A vehicle depreciates in value while land appreciates. They can never be in a transaction at the same level,” said Sankwasa.
