Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The City of Windhoek has allocated about N$250,000 for a survey on the operations and socio-economic impact of shebeens across the capital.
The survey will run from June to September 2025 and will be conducted in partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).
City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said the budget covers logistics such as fuel and transportation, advertising, public outreach, and compensation for the Nust researchers contracted to carry out the survey.
The municipality said the survey aims to gather data to guide the development of a new Shebeen Policy.
This policy will support improved urban planning, regulation, and service delivery in Windhoek.
“The findings are expected to benefit all affected groups by informing fair and inclusive policy decisions,” the municipality said.
Amutenya said participation in the survey is voluntary, but encouraged all residents, including shebeen owners, their patrons, and surrounding community members, to take part.
She said fieldworkers will visit selected suburbs to conduct interviews, observe operations, and collect data.
All fieldworkers will be clearly identifiable, and residents are urged to verify their identity using the provided contact numbers.
The final report will be made accessible to the public and stakeholders before being submitted to Council for policy consideration.
A notice issued last month clarified that the survey is for research and policy development and is not intended to target or penalise any shebeen operators.
This survey is part of the municipality’s effort to better understand informal economic activities and the role of shebeens in the city’s socio-economic fabric.
The urban policy division is the main point of contact for queries about the survey.
The City’s cooperation with Nust follows other urban management initiatives, such as reminders about compliance with drainage and stormwater regulations under Clause 35 of the Town Planning Scheme.
These initiatives aim to reduce flood risk and improve infrastructure maintenance.
