Renthia Kaimbi
The Walvis Bay municipality has warned that the subleasing of residential stands at Farm 37 threatens fair access to land for residents waiting for legal allocation.
Deputy mayor Miina Hangula raised the concern during the launch of the municipality’s 2026 public meeting series held at Farm 37 on Monday.
The meeting drew strong attendance from residents and focused on service delivery updates and land allocation concerns.
Hangula said the subleasing of stands undermines municipal policies and prevents residents from accessing land through official processes.
Council representatives condemned the practice and urged residents to report any cases to the municipality so that action can be taken against those involved.
Officials said subleasing creates an unfair land market where some people profit from stands meant for community members.
The meeting also provided updates on development projects planned for Farm 37.
Residents were informed that the municipality plans to install solar streetlights in the area. The bidding process for the project is expected to close this week.
The municipality also confirmed that the existing septic tank in the settlement will be replaced in the coming months to improve sanitation services.
Officials said individual refuse bins have already been distributed to households.
New compactor trucks are expected to arrive in the coming months to strengthen waste collection services in Walvis Bay and the Farm 37 area.
The municipality also announced plans to introduce the Built-Together Programme in Portion 10 of Farm 37.
The programme will support households in improving and developing their homes.
Residents were informed that land has been identified for the construction of a primary school in the area.
The school project will be implemented by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture.
Municipal officials said Farm 37 remains a key development area for the town.
They said progress will continue through cooperation between the municipality and national government ministries.
Residents also raised concerns during the meeting.
Issues discussed included delays in water connections, limited electricity access, transport challenges and the lack of nearby health services.
The subleasing of stands remained the main concern raised by residents.
Some community members said individuals are illegally renting out stands that were allocated for housing.
The municipality said it is working to address the service delivery concerns raised at the meeting.
The public meetings also form part of the municipality’s budget consultation process for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Officials encouraged residents to attend the remaining meetings planned for Narraville, the town area and Kuisebmond.
