By Simon Liseli
The Land Reform Advisory Commission (LRAC) resettlement sub-committees members, recently received information and skills training in an induction workshop hosted by the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement.
The one-day workshop facilitated by Lands Director Mr. Otto Knox Imbuwa took place at Katima Mulilo on July 13 and was attended by representatives from Kavango and Caprivi traditional authorities. The LRAC is established by an act of parliament, the Agricultural land reform act, and act NO 6 of 1995.
The induction training workshop aimed to equip the regional LRAC sub-committee members with necessary information and skills to help them effectively execute duties such as that of recommending applicants (subsistence farmers) for resettlement purposes to commercial areas.
LRAC sub-committees constituent members are selected from divergent stakeholders such as traditional authorities, line Ministries, farm unions and others in order to enrich and enhance the capacity of the commission as an institution.
LRAC Under-Secretary Ms. Esther Lusepani said the new land reform advisory commission sub-committee for Kavango and Caprivi are important as they will engage in work that will contribute to land reform process in the country.
Lusepani added the LRAC sub-committee members will require them to be committed to ensure that tangible development takes place within their communities.
The LRAC sub-committee members scrutinize and evaluate application forms for resettlement, using the resettlement criteria which enable them to then shortlist and recommend the prospective beneficiaries to the LARC.
The LRAC sub-committee also verifies land allocation of farming units in order to avoid double allocation by recommending on applications for subleasing of farming units, enhancement of farming units, change of land use, and development of farm infrastructure for the Ministers’ perusal.
“It is expected that sub-committees should carry out its functions efficiently and effectively. The Committees also prepares submissions to the LRAC, monitor resettlement farms and promote development.
The Committees investigate matters pertaining to the allocation of farming units and render advices to the LRAC. They interview people and clarify matters on land disputes and report to the LRAC.
These members will serve as the link and transmission belt between the communities, government and through the Ministry and the Ministry will provide all logistical and technical support to enable sub-committees members to carry out their mandate diligently,” Lusepani said.
Lusepani further reiterated that the sub-committee members are expected demonstrate the qualities and values of alertness, honesty, fairness, confidentiality and sensitiveness towards diverse landless Namibians and land allocation information.
“Issues of land allocation always cause conflicts and thus have a high potential to become explosive and disturb our hard earned peace, tranquility as well as spoil our path towards prosperity
The Lands Ministry is your important stakeholder within the resettlement land administration process and thus should be held in high regard and as a partner,” said Lusepani.
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