Windhoek: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has intensified its programme to remove illegal and unauthorised fences on communal land. This operation is being conducted in collaboration with regional councils, communal land boards, and traditional authorities, all in accordance with the provisions of the Communal Land Reform Act of 2002, the ministry stated in a media release on Wednesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the programme initially began in the Omaheke Region and subsequently moved to the Kavango East and Kavango West regions. It is currently underway in the Oshikoto Region. The ministry has announced that similar operations will continue in other communal areas as part of a coordinated national effort to uphold the law and promote equitable access to communal land.
"The operation forms part of the ministry's ongoing commitment to protect communal land rights, safeguard common grazing areas, and ensure that communal land remains accessible for the benefit of all lawful users," the statement elaborated.
Since 2025, five illegal fences covering approximately 4,000.72 hectares have been removed in the Kavango East Region. Additionally, two fences were voluntarily removed by their owners following engagements with authorities. In the Kavango West Region, three illegal fences covering a combined 2,914.35 hectares have been dismantled, and two fences were removed in the Omaheke Region. The current operation is expected to result in the removal of two more illegal fences.
The ministry also acknowledged the National Youth Service (NYS) for its assistance in the removal of illegal fences. The illegal fencing practices are said to undermine equitable access to communal land by restricting the lawful use of commonage, limiting grazing opportunities for livestock owners, and creating disputes within communities. The Communal Land Reform Act prohibits the erection of fences on communal land without the necessary authorisation, except for structures that are exempt under the law.
Furthermore, the ministry emphasised that removal operations are conducted with due regard for legal processes, which include the verification of a fence's legality, issuing written notices to affected individuals, and providing an opportunity for voluntary compliance before enforcement action is taken. The ministry has appealed to communal land users to obtain the necessary approvals before erecting fences and has encouraged the public to cooperate with officials during these operations.