Swakop Salt Company limits access to its property

Swakopmund residents have raised concerns following a recent notice from The Salt Company, which officially “ceased all recreational activities on its property and mining licence area” north of the town.

The decision affects various groups, including motocross riders, flying enthusiasts and remote-control plane users. According to the notice, unauthorised entry into the restricted zone, which is marked on an official map, is strictly prohibited, and the company reserves the right to remove trespassers. Signs at the site warn that trespassers “will be arrested.”

While this directive has surprised many, company director Jannie Klein explained last week that the decision was necessary to protect the company’s property, ensure safety and maintain order.

Klein clarified that the notice was initially directed at the motocross community along the coast, as well as remote-control vehicle users and microlight pilots who had been using the area without permission. However, after it was shared on social media, many members of the public – including joggers, dog walkers and subsistence anglers – became alarmed, believing they were also being banned.

“This was never meant to prevent people from fishing or jogging,” Klein said. “We don’t have a problem with people who behave responsibly, but there are certain activities that have become problematic.”

He also noted that the company has had issues with vandalism, illegal fires and theft of equipment and fuel.

Unauthorised

He said in the past, the salt company had agreements with specific motocross and remote-control groups, allowing them to use the land under strict conditions. However, as younger riders left town or moved away, new individuals and groups – without formal agreements – began using the area, leading to conflicts.

“There are now various groups of people trying to take ownership of the land,” Klein said. “Some even wanted to erect a fence and build a clubhouse without consulting us. This is our property, and we cannot allow unauthorised development and bickering.”

The company is currently in talks with a motocross club in Walvis Bay to establish a formal agreement. This club would be the sole authorised off-road and motocross user in the designated area, adhering to specific terms and conditions, he explained.

Additionally, the national rally authority has an agreement to use certain sections of the land for rally tracks during their annual events.

The salt pans in the area have been designated a nature conservation site due to their rich birdlife, attracting birdwatchers and conservationists. This is one of the reasons why certain activities, such as motocross racing and microlight flying, have been restricted.

“These areas are home to rare and migratory birds, and we cannot allow disturbances,” Klein noted.

Security and safety

In the past, a fence was erected to keep unauthorised individuals away from the salt pans and ocean due to the presence of strong pumps that move water in and out of the pans.

“If someone gets caught in those pumps, it would be a catastrophe,” Klein said. “Who would be held responsible?”

Additionally, Klein confirmed that the company had previously dealt with a makeshift pet cemetery on its land. Over the years, residents had created burial sites for their pets near the salt company’s property, but this practice was halted some time ago.

Another major factor influencing access restrictions is the rapid expansion of residential and industrial developments near the area. Klein stated that, due to these developments, the company will soon be forced to enclose its property within a fence, permanently restricting public access.

“As development continues, we won’t be able to allow people to freely access this land anymore,” he said. “It will have to be fenced off for security and safety reasons.”