Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein on Monday opened the induction training workshop for newly appointed Regional Resettlement Committee members at Swakopmund.

Speaking at the occasion, Schlettwein said the institution that comprises the Regional Resettlement Committee is established by an Act of Parliament, and it is important to note that the Resettlement Committees are separate institutions from Land Boards although established by the same Act.

“The Agricultural Commercial Land Reform Act, National Land Policy and the National Resettlement Policy form the foundations upon which your operations are derived, and I appeal to you to acquaint yourselves with the relevant sections, especially those that deal with the important functions of your office as set out in the Act and policies. The Regional Resettlement Committees are established by the commission to inquire into and to report to it regarding any matter falling within the scope of the functions of the commission,” he said.

Schlettwein added that functions are efficiently and effectively in line with the legislation and Regional Resettlement Committee members form a communication linkage between the communities, constituencies through to the ministry.

“The community look upon you to serve their interests related to land allocation and distribution and management of resettlement farms. The land matter is very sensitive and emotive, therefore, I urge you to demonstrate the qualities and values of; alertness, honesty, fairness, confidentiality and sensitivity towards diverse landless Namibians and land allocation,” Schlettwein said.

He added that due to many complaints of lack of transparency, the ministry in collaboration with its stakeholders, is working on the automated selection database to reduce human interference with the allocation system to build back confidence in the allocation processes.

The two-day workshop is expected to end on Tuesday and is attended by newly appointed chairpersons, members and secretaries of Erongo, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kunene, Zambezi, Hardap and Khomas Regional Resettlement Committees.

Source: Namibia Press Agency