Allexer Namundjembo
Financial challenges have slowed the completion of the Omuthiya Open Market, a project meant to provide a safe and regulated trading space for informal traders, the Omuthiya Town Council has said.
Responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday, the council’s economic development and tourism officer, Piet Andreki, said construction of the market started before the Covid-19 pandemic and was planned in phases to accommodate different categories of traders.
“The market was initiated before Covid-19 and was designed to be constructed in phases to cater for street vendors selling different products,” Andreki said.
He explained that during the first phase, the council erected a palisade fence.
The second phase included the construction of 10 trading stalls, an ablution facility and a dry products market. He said all these works were funded from the council’s own resources.
Andreki said the council has made budget provision in the 2025/2026 financial year to complete the final phase, which includes finishing the open market and the garment market.
“In addition, the council has submitted a request through LEDA to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development for possible funding, should funds become available,” he said.
“However, the completion of the project is currently hindered by financial challenges.”
The council also said it is concerned about informal trading taking place in unauthorised areas around town.
Andreki said this has led to disorder, health risks and safety concerns.
“Trading in unauthorised areas has been causing havoc. It often lacks proper management, exposes traders and the public to health hazards, and increases the risk of accidents in town,” Andreki said.
He added that the notice recently issued to vendors was meant to regulate trading activities and ensure compliance with council by-laws.
The council said it remains ready to support local traders and allocate available spaces at the new open market.
“It is the council’s mandate to provide a conducive environment for all residents, investors and stakeholders. Omuthiya Town Council is therefore ready to avail the available spaces to vendors to commence trading at the new open market,” Andreki said.
Construction of the Omuthiya Open Market began during the 2022/23 financial year, but more than three years later the facility remains incomplete.
The delay has frustrated vendors and community leaders who had expected better trading conditions in the regional capital.
The market was intended to offer a hygienic and formal trading environment for traders who have long operated along the busy B1 road and other central parts of Omuthiya.
Once completed, it was expected to accommodate about 500 vendors and serve both residents and travellers.
Despite early assurances that the project would be completed quickly, progress stalled. A visit by the Windhoek Observer last month found that only phase one had been completed, with no visible activity towards finalisation. The town initially budgeted N$3 million for the second phase.
