Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Currently, 949 businesses in Windhoek are operating without a valid certificate of fitness or registration, according to the City of Windhoek Municipality (CoW).
The City Police’s spokesperson, Marcelline Murapo said fines have been issued to bars, mechanic’s workshops, and restaurants in Otjomuise, Wanaheda, Ausspannplatz, the city centre, Rocky Crest, and Olympia.
“We identify them during routine inspections and when complaints are brought to our attention either by public members or the business registration section of the City of Windhoek,” she said.
The fines were for offences including conducting a business without a certificate, operating a business without a certificate, running a mechanic business in a residential area, repairing vehicles in open spaces, and operating without a fitness certificate.
One of the main challenges in enforcing compliance, according to Murapo, is that many businesses have outstanding debts related to their fitness renewal fees.
“Most businesses owe monies to the city linked to fitness renewal fees. This explains why many do not have a valid fitness certificate. They are in arrears and have a responsibility to honour their obligations or face repeated sanctions or business closure,” she said.
Munrapo said the City Police collaborates with various municipal departments through joint inspection operations to ensure businesses meet all necessary requirements.
She reminded business owners that failure to renew or deregister the operation licenses can lead to accumulating penalties.
“Businesses should only operate after they have received their fitness certificate and license to operate, not while waiting for approval,” she said.
Regarding liquor licenses, Murapo said non-compliant businesses risk having their licenses revoked.
“If a business fails to comply with operational regulations, the matter is taken to court, where we recommend that the business’s license be revoked,” she added.
Business owners are also required to visibly display their fitness and liquor licenses within their premises.
“All fitness and liquor licenses should be on display in the business place and not be hidden or kept out of plain sight,” Murapo said.
CoW has issued 155 compliance notices to businesses operating without a valid Certificate of Fitness or Registration over the past five years.
Five businesses have closed during this time, one as a result of a court order.
In 2024, seven fines were issued to unregistered businesses, along with 10 written warnings.
Only one business without a fitness certificate has received a fine this year.
