Temporary reprieve for Chinatown traders
The City of Windhoek has granted Chinatown informal traders temporary permission to operate from Erf 7002 W in the Northern Industrial Area while it assesses plans to develop the site into a formal informal market, offering a temporary solution after weeks of uncertainty over the vendors’ future.
The decision is contained in a letter from City chief executive officer Moses Matyayi to Chinatown vendors’ leader Reinhold Lugambo, following the traders’ formal request for the municipality to reconsider their removal from the Chinatown trading area and a meeting between trader representatives, Windhoek mayor Councillor Sakaria Uunona and City officials on 23 July.
Matyayi said the municipality remained committed to supporting the informal sector through the provision of suitable trading infrastructure and designated spaces for informal businesses. “The Municipal Council of Windhoek is dedicated towards advancing and supporting the informal sector by providing and maintaining trading infrastructure and designating suitable, strategically placed sites for informal business activities across the city,” he said.
He added that the council had identified and approved several undeveloped sites for phased development to ensure the availability of infrastructure for safe, organised and hygienic trading.
Site under assessment
According to the City, Erf 7002 W, which was proposed by traders as an alternative location, is currently being assessed for its suitability as a future informal market. “Erf 7002 W in the Northern Industrial Area, which you mentioned in your correspondence, is currently under assessment in respect of its potential and suitability for construction of an informal market subject to the availability of funds,” Matyayi stated.
He said the design for service provision to the site was nearing completion, after which the market design would be developed before construction begins. The project will also include the installation of retaining walls to mitigate flooding risks and ensure proper filling of the site.
However, the municipality said no timeline had been determined for the completion of these processes, as implementation depends on the finalisation of project designs and planning.
Temporary trading approval
While the assessment is ongoing, the City has agreed to allow traders to operate from the site on a temporary basis, subject to strict conditions. “We are providing this site in its present condition and format as per the application of the traders,” Matyayi said.
He cautioned that the land’s topography creates logistical limitations and that the site would not be able to accommodate all Chinatown traders.
The municipality highlighted the availability of trading spaces at Bonsmara Market and other informal markets where additional traders could be accommodated. As part of the arrangement, all food vendors, hair salons and cosmetics traders will be required to relocate to Bonsmara Market to ensure they operate under conditions that meet municipal health and hygiene requirements.
Traders face strict rules
The temporary approval is subject to compliance with the Informal Trading Regulations No. 3882 of July 2007.
Among the conditions, traders are prohibited from constructing permanent structures and may only use temporary structures such as approved gazebos.
Traders must also ensure that tables, chairs, umbrellas and gazebos are arranged in a manner that does not obstruct walkways, public facilities, parking areas or entrances.
The City further requires traders to replace damaged wooden furniture with approved outdoor furniture, obtain and display valid trading permits, and carry their trader identity cards while conducting business. Traders have also been instructed to keep the site clean, dispose of waste properly and provide at least two mobile ablution facilities at their own cost.
In addition, no new traders will be allowed to operate from the site, and traders who leave will not be replaced.
No permanent occupation rights
The municipality stressed that the permission granted does not provide traders with permanent rights to the land.
“Please be aware that this permission to use the site is temporary and does not grant any permanent rights of occupation, tenure, or future allocation,” Matyayi stated.
The City reserved the right to withdraw the approval if traders fail to comply with the conditions or if the site is required for another purpose.
It also warned that business operations could be shut down without further notice if hygiene and cleanliness standards are not maintained.
Relocation expected during construction
The City cautioned that traders may eventually have to leave the Northern Industrial site once construction of the proposed market begins. “It is important to note that once construction of the market begins, the site may become unusable,” Matyayi said.
He said traders would be informed in advance but that the municipality would not be responsible for relocating them during the construction period. However, temporary accommodation may be considered at other informal markets where space is available.
The City has requested traders to formally confirm their acceptance of the conditions before they commence trading at Erf 7002 W. The latest development follows weeks of tension between the municipality and more than 100 Chinatown informal traders after the City instructed them to vacate their trading area over concerns related to safety, hygiene and compliance with municipal regulations.
The traders subsequently marched to the City of Windhoek’s offices, calling for alternative trading arrangements. The latest decision provides temporary relief while the municipality continues working on longer-term solutions for informal traders in the capital.
