The ministry of works, transport and communication has together with the police served 15 letters of eviction to illegal occupants of government houses and flats in Windhoek this week. Minister Joel Kaapanda informed reporters on Thursday that those tenants had to vacate premises within 30 days and more letters would be served. In a countrywide sweep, the ministry wants to tackle illegal occupants of government premises to root out corruption and to update its asset register. All persons living illegally on government properties should vacate them with immediate effect".

Another bad practice, the subletting of garages in the yards of government houses was illegal, Kaapanda said. "We will also deal with that accordingly", the minister pointed out.

The works minister said the decisive step was taken to follow the clarion call of President Hifikepunye Pohamba in his state of the nation address last month in which he urged the works ministry to "address the lack of security and vandalism of government properties, particularly state-owned apartments. The ministry should also move speedily to evict all illegal occupants from government flats and houses", the president demanded.

Minister Kaapanda further called on all Namibians who were aware of illegal occupants to inform the ministry. Renovating the often badly vandalised properties would take time and money, he added, but officials would get very strict from now on.

In another effort, the ministry will update its neglected asset register and to computerise it..