Rundu Mayor Gabriel Kanyanga has voiced concern that the town council’s ability to operate effectively is being undermined by the continuous donation of land to public institutions, particularly schools, in the Kavango East Region.
Speaking about the recent donation of land to Ngcove Primary School, Kanyanga said that while the council recognises the importance of supporting educational development, the growing number of land giveaways is taking a toll on council finances.
According to the mayor, the Ministry of Education did not provide any funds for the land given to Ngcove Primary School, which further strained the council’s limited resources. “The council depends heavily on land sales to generate revenue that supports essential services such as water connections and sanitation,” Kanyanga explained. “However, when land is donated instead of sold, our income is reduced, affecting service delivery.”
Kanyanga said the council remains committed to assisting the school, especially once financial support is received. “If the Ministry of Education can provide funds to buy the necessary pipes, we are ready to connect water to the school,” he noted.
The mayor also highlighted that Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, during his recent visit to Rundu, commended the council’s ongoing efforts to address drainage and water-related challenges. Ngurare has reportedly tasked the Department of Rural Water Supply to finalise plans aimed at improving the town’s water infrastructure.
Kanyanga concluded by stressing that while the council supports community development projects, a more sustainable approach is needed to ensure that Rundu’s financial base is not weakened by continuous land donations.
