Africa-Press – Namibia. NORTHERN business tycoon Erastus “Chico” Shapumba has urged the mayor of Oshakati, Leonard Hango, to stop provoking him by talking about him and the dispute over ownership of the town’s old open market, an issue which has yet to be decided on by the court.
Shapumba accuses Hango of making comments about him ever since he became the mayor. “Rather than keeping himself busy implementing projects pertaining to the development of the town, he keeps talking about me,” said Shapumba.
“The open market is a matter currently in the High Court for a decision.”
Hango was earlier quoted as saying the town council has passed a resolution to refund Shapumba who in 2016 paid N$2.5 million for the purchase of Erf 1342.
Regarding Shapumba’s allegations, Hango said he talks about the matter when answering questions from the media. “The local and regional authorities have to respond to media inquires.”
Shapumba said the open market sale was clearly his but now some politicians want to take the land to give it to “fake foreign investors they are working hand-in-hand with”.
“The old open market portion is mine. I bought the land to develop it through the tender bidding. I got the land fairly. There were ten other bidders but they are not complaining,” he said.
Hango, however, insists the land does not belong to Shapumba. “The ministry rejected the transaction and we have no reason to keep his money,” he said.
Hango also denied claims that they intend to give away the portion of the land to a Chinese company that has plans to start a factory in the town. “The land can’t be given to anyone. There are no Chinese who approached council presenting interest that they want the land,” he said. Hango said they are waiting for the court’s decision before any further directive will be given by the line ministry.
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