Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has warned residents against selling plots allocated to them for free by the government. 

Sankwasa addressed the community of Orwetoveni's extensions 16 and 17 at Otjiwarongo.

The minister said there is a need to make land available through flexible land tenure, emphasising that the government's objective is to have every citizen housed on serviced land. 

"From the beginning of March 2026, no serviced land will be sold to private investors because private investors are looking for profit, as they are in the business of selling land and houses."

The minister warned against selling off plots given for free by the government. 

"People are given free plots because they request them, but those same individuals often sell this land to others, which is a crime that can lead to arrest. So, local authorities, please ensure that whoever has received these free plots should never sell them for profit."

The minister also handed over the newly constructed water reticulation network to the community of extensions 16 and 17 in Orwetoveni. 

Out of 404 plots serviced with water, 80 households have water meters and taps. Community members carried out most of the work themselves.

"So there is no need for municipalities to go out tendering for different companies, while they can employ these people directly. The practice of tendering and resulting in incorrect specifications and designs should be eliminated."

The Namibia Housing Action Group (NHAG) serviced the 404 plots, funded by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.

NHAG Project Manager Kamolokamwe Angusto explained that "we have been working in this location since 2020, focusing on upgrading the settlement and ensuring that every resident has access to land with proper recognition."

Currently, 27 houses funded by the ministry are being constructed, while Pupkewitz and FNB Namibia funded 36 houses.

NHAG's goal is to construct all 404 houses within the next year.