- MPs call for suspension of demolitions whilst matter is investigated
BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOBAMBA – Land disputes in Nkhaba are threatening to derail multimillion-emalangeni development projects and deprive thousands of Emaswati of basic services, as Parliament has called for an urgent investigation into the ownership of farms in the area.
Nkhaba MP Hope Shiba raised the matter through a motion calling on the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy to investigate the disputes, particularly Farm No. 1214, following the eviction and demolition of homes and threats of further demolitions.
The issue has already affected residents beyond the loss of homes. Shiba told Parliament that a multimillion-emalangeni water project had been stalled after concerns were raised that its source was located on disputed land.
He said the project was expected to benefit thousands of Emaswati, but its delay could result in the money donated for the project being returned if the dispute is not resolved.
The MP further said some residents were unable to access electricity because the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) had indicated that it could not connect homes situated on disputed land.
Road construction and the construction of proper homes have also been affected, he said, with residents reluctant to invest in properties while uncertainty over land ownership persists.
Shiba told the House that residents wanted the government to establish the authenticity and legal ownership of the farms, saying some communities believed the land had historically been made available for grazing before questions over ownership emerged.
The motion also calls for an assessment of the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the farms, consultations with affected residents, farm owners and traditional authorities, and an assessment of development projects affected by the disputes.
Seconding the motion, LaMgabhi MP Sicelo Jele called for audits of the disputed farms to establish whether their acquisition and ownership were properly handled.
He said residents had not simply occupied the land on their own but had, in some instances, been allocated land by traditional authorities.
Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga questioned whether any of the disputes were before the courts. Shiba said residents had not been informed that the matters were in court.
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela acknowledged the seriousness of the dispute and said it was painful for both farm owners and farm dwellers.
He said the ministry would act on the request to suspend demolitions, adding that a person could not simply demolish people’s homes without the necessary legal process and documentation.
The minister requested 21 days to address the matter, instead of the 14 days initially proposed in the motion. Shiba accepted the extension.
The ministry is expected to provide Parliament with answers on the disputed farms, the affected development projects and the way forward on demolitions within the 21-day period.
The motion was supported by MPs.
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