Erongo

Walvis Bay • [email protected]



Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes made it clear that council will not tolerate any land grab incidents.

He made this statement at the second ordinary council meeting held on Tuesday evening.

“I want to make it clear that land grabbing is illegal and council, in no way, endorses such lawless behaviour. A meeting with stakeholders was held to discuss our approach, and the police force received the assurance that they have council’s support to remove any illegal structure placed on municipal land.”

Forbes said that if the land issue wants to be resolved, they cannot sit by and entertain land grabbing. “Those promoting such activities should be treated as offenders, as such acts can destabilize the peace the town and country has been enjoying thus far.”

Furthermore, the mayor touched on a housing census currently being carried out under the Janet Martin Charity Foundation that was founded by Penelope Martin-Louw. “The said foundation and its activities are not linked to Council. An article in a daily newspaper stated that the former deputy mayor of Walvis Bay had called on residents born and raised in Walvis Bay to register themselves through the ‘Janet Martin Foundation’ to determine how many people need housing.

“Residents are advised that this exercise has not been endorsed by council, nor was council informed of the exercise. Those registering themselves are doing so at their own risk. The municipality will not be held liable for any activities undertaken by said foundation. Council conducts its own surveys and any such announcements are be made through our formal communication channels.”

Forbes stated with regards to the Twaloloka/Otweya housing project, there has been much talk insinuating that council is giving houses to fire victims of Twaloloka/Otweya for free.

“The houses being built for the Otweya fire victims are being built by government through the Office of the Prime Minister. The project is funded by government. Council’s role is to facilitate and ensure that the construction taking place is in accordance to municipal standards.”

Forbes gave the assurance that council is looking into several housing projects to see which will best suit the environment and the people.

“Council is aware of the need to engage and keep the community informed. In order to accomplish this, council is resuming public meetings, taking into account all Covid-19 regulations.”