City approves 20 temporary informal trading sites
The City of Windhoek has approved 20 temporary trading sites under its market development masterplan as it seeks to accommodate growing numbers of informal traders while developing permanent market infrastructure.
Mayor Sakarias Uunona said the approvals reflect the municipality's recognition of the critical role informal trading plays in sustaining thousands of households amid high unemployment and poverty.
"The informal economy in Namibia is estimated to represent approximately 26.5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and provides employment for 58% of the national workforce," Uunona said.
"We acknowledge that informal trading provides income for many households and contributes significantly to economic activity within our municipality," he added.
With the approval of the 20 trading areas, the council “aims to empower thousands of residents to responsibly support their families with dignity while contributing to the development and prosperity of our city," Uunona said.
The municipality has already developed 18 open markets, including one communal car wash and four semi-developed markets, which support the livelihoods of an estimated 44 200 people. However, Uunona acknowledged that existing facilities are not enough.
"Despite these provisions, there remains a significant demand for additional trading spaces to accommodate the numerous traders operating at various locations within the city," Uunona said.
Work together
The 20 sites where informal traders may operate temporarily will be allowed “under minimum hygienic conditions, pending the formalisation of these markets with more permanent facilities”.
The sites will require the provision of basic services, including water, electricity, ablution facilities and under-roof structures for shade and storage.
To fund the developments, the municipality will explore various financing models, including public-private partnerships and land exchange agreements with the private sector.
Formalising the temporary sites will also enable the municipality to demarcate trading spaces, register traders, monitor compliance with municipal regulations and collect levies that can be reinvested into future market development projects.
Uunona emphasised, however, that support for informal traders must go hand in hand with compliance.
"While Council has demonstrated its support for informal traders, these activities must be managed within the parameters of our laws to facilitate a conducive environment and prosperous city for all its residents."
The announcement follows recent tensions between the municipality and informal traders operating at China Town, where vendors have opposed plans to relocate them from the privately owned property. Earlier this week, the city granted traders a reprieve after engaging vendor representatives and reaffirmed its commitment to finding a lawful and sustainable solution while balancing public safety, health and urban planning requirements.
