Bukalo, Jul 22, 2026 (New Era/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --
The Bukalo Village Council has invested N$35 million in the servicing of 382 residential plots as part of its programme to formalise informal settlements to unlock development opportunities and attract investors.
Speaking during a site visit, Bukalo Village council CEO Anna Sazita said the project includes the installation of sewer, water and electricity infrastructure, with sewer and water works already nearing completion.
"We were fortunate to be allocated N$35 million. We are servicing the 382 plots, whereby we are putting in sewer and water. Currently, the sewer and water works are at about 99%, while the electricity installation is also progressing," said Sazita.
She added that the development will also include paved internal roads, ensuring that the new residential area is fully serviced before beneficiaries are allocated land.
According to Sazita, the investment is a crucial step towards addressing the growing demand for serviced land, as many residents remain on the village's waiting list for residential plots.
However, she stressed that beyond meeting housing needs, the project is expected to strengthen Bukalo's appeal to investors.
"It was very difficult for investors to come and invest in Bukalo because the population was not enough. With what we are doing through this housing programme, I believe it will surely attract more investors to Bukalo," she said.
Sazita noted that increased residential development is expected to drive population growth, expand the local economy and support the village's long-term ambition of being elevated to town council status.
She said the servicing of the 382 plots represents a strategic investment in Bukalo's future, creating the infrastructure needed to accommodate more residents while positioning the village as a more attractive destination for business and private sector investment.
When asked about the compensation process for affected residents in Bukalo, Sazita said it is progressing, although several cases have been temporarily delayed due to ongoing legal disputes.
She said the council has continued processing compensation claims and urged any residents who believe they were overlooked or have not yet received compensation to come forward.
"The compensation process is currently ongoing. We only have a challenge for some of the residents where we are having some legal matters. That is the compensation that is currently put on hold, but we are still appealing to any residents who feel they were left out or they are not yet compensated. They must approach the council so that we can facilitate and work on their situations," she said.
Addressing concerns about alleged land grabbing in Bukalo, Sazita dismissed suggestions that it is a widespread problem within the village.
"I would say land grabbing is not an issue in Bukalo," she said.
She explained that the main challenge facing the council involves legal disputes over land where compensation has already been paid.
"The only challenge that we have is the legal cases whereby council has already compensated the people to vacate the premises, but other residents are coming in to come and fight with council. So, there's just those legal matters," Sazita said.
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COMTEX_489257946/2029/2026-07-22T23:30:36
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