Staff report
In accordance with the Government Gazette No. 7168, Ongwediva Town Council has commenced with awareness campaign in February 2023. The campaign started with engagement of stakeholders such as the Namibia Police, business representatives, management of malls and community activists.
Informal Traders across the town were engaged on the 08th February 2023 and were briefed about the Informal Trading Regulation which will be enforced as from the 01st March 2023.
According to the Corporate Communication Officer, Jackson Muma, the ultimate goal of the campaign is to enlighten all informal traders on how the law will apply and to explain compliance expectations. Several places in town such as; the Marula tree along Kalomho Kuutondokwa Street, Marula tree between Bennies Park and Maroela Mall, Trees at the entrance of Okandjengedi Primary School and the area adjacent to Chicco Mall have been designated as trading sites while the Council still seeks to establish conducive trading sites for informal traders.
Muma stated that apart from regular traders, and in lieu of improving feet to Ongwediva Open Market, Council availed every Tuesday and Thursday to street vendors to trade openly at the Open Market at as cost of N$ 10.00 pers trader per day.
He further indicated that informal traders in Ongwediva will be expected to register their names with the Council on a date to be announced by Council at a later stage and they will be issued with necessary documentation. This will assist Council to plan better for future.
However, foreign traders from neighboring countries who intends to trade in Ongwediva are expected to carry trading permits from relevant offices.
“As from the 1st March 2023, there will be no selling of goods at prohibited areas. Informal traders will be expected to carry trading identification documents whenever they conduct business,” said Muma.
