Windhoek: The City of Windhoek (CoW) has refuted claims that it has unfairly pushed farmers out of Groot Aub. Farmers at Groot Aub were quoted in recent media reports as saying they are being pushed out by the City of Windhoek due to the extension of the city’s boundaries to a 70-kilometre radius area. The extension means that Groot Aub is now part of Windhoek and therefore bound by applicable city dwelling regulations. Such regulations do not allow for extensive farming activities.
According to Namibia Press Agency, CoW in a media release said claims that the City’s involvement in Groot Aub is counterproductive misrepresent the facts and overlook the significant steps taken to promote organised and sustainable growth in the area. The extension of the Windhoek municipal boundary was effected in 2011. CoW said the extension increased the size of Windhoek at least seven-fold.
‘This extension expanded the City’s jurisdiction from 64 586 hectares to approximately 514 217 hectares, a 7.9-fold increase. The bound
ary adjustment was done in line with section 4(1)(b) of the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act 23 of 1992) (as amended), which empowers the minister to alter the boundary of a local authority,’ said the statement. The expansion transferred Groot Aub from the Khomas Regional Council to the City of Windhoek, thereby elevating its status from a settlement to a suburb of Windhoek.
Due to the increase, CoW had to initiate programmes to provide for the development of Groot Aub, amongst others. Such programmes are at an advanced stage, it said. ‘The City of Windhoek acknowledges that managing a fast-growing area like Groot Aub requires a comprehensive regulatory framework addressing land tenure, zoning, and infrastructure all aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life,’ said the statement.
It said the Windhoek Municipal Council therefore adopted an Action Plan under Resolution 80/03/2020 that addresses a range of critical areas including office space, urban planning, property valuation, security of tenure, buildi
ng plans, housing, municipal services, drilling of boreholes, aquifer protection, public awareness, and by-law enforcement. The CoW said it remains dedicated to ensuring Groot Aub’s sustainable development in collaboration with the Khomas Regional Council and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
