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Niël Terblanché The Swakopmund Municipality has introduced new land allocation procedures to improve transparency and ensure fair access to development opportunities. Swakopmund deputy mayor Suama Kautondokwa announced the changes during a council briefing this week. She said all land made available for sale or lease will now be publicly advertised.  “To rectify this, and in alignment with the town’s Urban Development Strategy, the Council has resolved to adopt a more structured, transparent, and strategic approach to land allocation,” Kautondokwa said. She said the municipality had received a flood of unsolicited land applications in recent years.  While this showed strong interest in the town’s growth, Kautondokwa said the volume had strained municipal resources and caused delays in planning and service delivery. The new procedures aim to ensure fairness in land distribution and build public trust.  “This policy reinforces the Council’s commitment to fairness and responsible urban growth, while strengthening public trust and investment confidence,” she said. Kautondokwa also gave updates on key municipal projects. She said the Wagdaar Land Servicing Project is progressing, with the site handed over to contractors in March.  Site establishment took place in April, and by May, the installation of street lights and other infrastructure began. “This project marks a milestone in improving access to essential infrastructure for the Wagdaar community,” she said, thanking Erongo RED and Swakop Uranium for their support. In another development, the municipality signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Erongo RED in May for the development of Extension 32 in Kramersdorf. Kautondokwa said the agreement secures more than N$64 million in investment.  The Council committed N$50 million for land servicing, while Erongo RED will invest N$14 million in electrical infrastructure. Extension 32 will include 70 single residential erven, eight general residential erven, one institutional erf, and two public open spaces.  The area will have full municipal infrastructure, including paved roads, stormwater drainage, water and sewer systems, electricity, and telecommunications. “These projects are part of our long-term vision to make Swakopmund an inclusive and well-serviced town for all its residents,” Kautondokwa said.