Residents of Omitara travelled 110 kilometres to Windhoek to hand over a petition to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, calling for the reinstatement of Farm Osombahe 1042 to the community after it was withdrawn due to mismanagement.
They also wanted answers on the cancellation of the farm's allotment earlier this year after reports of vandalism, disobedience to official directives, and the occupation of the property by non-residents.
According to documents submitted by the Omitara Residents Cooperative, the farm was originally approved for 144 beneficiaries in May 2022, of which 110 were residents of Omitara.
However, complaints soon surfaced regarding non-residents moving in, destruction of farm property, including water pumps and electrical cables, and disregard for ministry instructions.
In 2022, the minister at the time issued a directive restricting physical occupation to Omitara residents only.
A final letter in 2023 revoked the allotment, citing non-compliance, leaving the residents without access to the land.
The petitioners argue that the withdrawal unfairly penalised genuine beneficiaries and have asked the minister to reconsider.
They propose electing new cooperative members, ensuring only Omitara residents are accommodated, and allowing the United Nations World Food Programme to implement development initiatives before physical occupation resumes.
Joseph ||Gowaseb is the Chairperson of the Omitara Advisory Board. He said, "Most beneficiaries are external to the farm, and we, the people of Omitara, especially the farm's beneficiaries, are vulnerable. We plead with your office to be considered as beneficiaries of the farm as we were before. The minister is accordingly respectfully asked to consider this matter and respond to this petition as soon as possible."
Minister of Agriculture Inge Zaamwani was not available to receive the petition and delegated her PA, Tjirongo Kauaria, to accept the petition.
The Ministry is yet to issue a formal response.