Allexer Namundjembo
Vendors at the Omuthiya Open Market have raised concerns about the newly constructed market, citing its distance from the main road and lack of accessibility as potential threats to their businesses.
The open market along the main road has long been a central part of Omuthiya’s economy, providing a platform for trading activities in a town where jobs are scarce.
For years, vendors have been trading in open spaces due to the limited capacity of the existing market.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, Selma Titus, a vendor at the current open market, acknowledged that relocating aligns with the town’s development plans but argued that the town’s economy would suffer if trading activities are disrupted.
“The town council must consider relocating the bus and taxi stops next to the new market to ensure that customers can reach it easily. I fully understand the need for development, but building malls and complexes isn’t always the answer. We sell here because we don’t have jobs, but moving us to the new market, which is far from the road, might negatively impact our ability to sell our products. Still, it’s the council’s decision, and we cannot change their laws,” Titus said.
Another vendor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being victimized by the council, expressed doubts about the capacity and fairness of stall allocations in the new market.
“I haven’t been inside the new market, but from what I’ve seen, it doesn’t seem big enough to accommodate everyone. I just hope the council has a fair plan for allocating the stalls,” she said. She also urged the council to keep fees low, pointing out that many vendors struggle to make sufficient profits.
Efforts to reach Omuthiya’s mayor, Johannes Ndeutepo and the council’s acting spokesperson, Piet Anderki for comments on the current phase of the new market’s construction were unsuccessful.
Last year, Ndeutepo said that vendors operating at the open market do not pay fees to the council but are expected to maintain cleanliness in the area.
He clarified that the council does not own the open market, and its primary role is to provide weekly refuse removal services.
Vendors continue to hope that their voices will be heard as the relocation plan moves forward, emphasizing the need for accessibility and affordable operational conditions in the new market.
