• By Renthia Kaimbi

A group of approximately thirty subsistence farmers cultivating rain fed crops along the B1 road near Windhoek were embroiled in a tense stand-off with authorities after being ordered to vacate the land by 28 April 2025.

The farmers, who began cultivating the stretch of land between Windhoek and Okahandja earlier this year, argue that their crops, including corn, melons, beans, and spinach; are nearing harvest and could provide critical income for their households. However, officials from the City of Windhoek, Roads Authority, Namibian Police, and Trustco have demanded their eviction, citing unauthorized land use.

The group acknowledges that they lack formal permission to use the land but insists their activities are environmentally benign and economically vital. “We’re not using anyone’s water or harming the environment. We’re just using the rain to grow food for our families and sell surplus to survive. We will be gone after the rainy season,” one farmer explained.

They were allegedly grant an extension until 30 May or until their crops ripen, which is estimated to align with the new deadline, or until rainfall ceases, whichever comes later. Confidente also noticed that others in the area continue to collect hay and camel thorn tree fruits for to sell as animal feed, raising questions about selective enforcement. 

City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya confirmed the eviction notice and a prior altercation between the group and the police but clarified that the area within 30 meters from the road falls under the jurisdiction of the Roads Authority while the remaining portion of the land is owned by Trustco. 

Amutenya was however, not aware about the eviction extension, adding that if such permission was granted, it may have been granted by the landowner, Trustco. “A notice to vacate was issued to the group, citing illegal trading activities. The deadline for vacating the area was on the 28th of this month (April). Regarding any possible extensions, if such permission was granted, it may have been done so by the landowner, Trustco.

However, our bylaws remain clear: this type of land use is not permitted here,” Amutenya stressed.