Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Minister Calle Schlettwein has slammed claims that the yet-to-be-tabled Land Bill will allow foreign land ownership on communal land.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Schlettwein said the new bill is trying to ensure that foreigners be allowed to partner with Namibians to unleash the potential in communal areas in the leasing environment that protect both the citizen and investor and financier.

adding that the bill is trying to attract banks to be able to invest in the communal areas.

Schlettwein explained that currently, under Section 31 of the Communal Land Reform Act, any leasehold below 10 years with a land size below 100 hectares can be approved by a particular Communal Land Board in the Regions, adding that leases which exceed 10 years and the land size involved is above 100 hectares are recommended by the Boards to the Minister for approval.

“It is not and has never been the practice of the government to impose leaseholds and foreign investors upon local communities on communal land. In all cases, Traditional Authorities are the main drivers by exercising their power of primary land allocation.

He further explained that none Namibians are allowed by law to lease land for investment purposes only for up to 25 years with an option to renew while bearing in mind the social responsibility of such an investor to the community.

Schlettwein explained further that a lease agreement as per Namibia’s common law shall be for a period of 99 years which is a maximum and a ceiling for a contractual agreement, however every decision-making body, such as the Communal Land Board, and the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform can arrive at a different lease period for different investment projects.

“In Namibia currently it’s only native Namibians who enjoy the prestige that comes with the 99 years lease, either to establish a crop field, a shop or a house in communal areas. At times we are puzzled when the Government is bringing development to the people and giving its citizens an opportunity to find partners or investors and access to finances, some people are blocking it by spreading rumours that are unfounded,” he stressed.

This is the time to act and ensure the economic potential of our communal area is brought to the fore, he added.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency