Minister orders review of Katima Mulilo land-for-vehicles deal

Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has directed the Katima Mulilo Town Council to immediately review a controversial land-for-vehicles exchange deal, calling the transaction “illegal” and accusing the council of causing financial harm to the state.

During an official visit to Katima Mulilo, Sankwasa questioned the valuation process used in the deal, which involved exchanging land, reportedly worth nearly N$30 million—for two Toyota Fortuner vehicles.

“The Katima Town Council exchanged land for vehicles, in one instance 31 hectares, which could be valued at almost 30 million, it was exchanged for two Fortunas, without ministerial approval.”

Sankwasa said that exchanging land, an appreciating asset, for vehicles, which lose value over time, was unacceptable. “Fixed assets cannot be exchanged with mobile assets… Namibia does not have a bartering system,” he said. “On that basis, I have to make a decision that that transaction is illegal and cannot be entertained.”

The Minister also demanded transparency around the affected plots and requested a physical inspection. One of the properties in question, a riverbank plot, was reportedly not initially up for sale. However, Katima Mulilo CEO Raphael Liswaniso stated that an investor later submitted an offer for the waterlogged land, but its exact value remains undisclosed.

Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa

“We followed standard procedures, but the valuation and approval process need clarification,” Liswaniso said, defending the council’s actions.

The controversy has raised questions about local government accountability and asset management practices.

The post Minister orders review of Katima Mulilo land-for-vehicles deal first appeared on Future Media News.

The post Minister orders review of Katima Mulilo land-for-vehicles deal appeared first on Future Media News.