Havana households delay relocation, traders feel the punch

Windhoek’s Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road upgrade has hit a roadblock as informal traders and residents struggle to agree on relocation plans.

The N$381 million project, aimed at turning the single carriageway into a dual lane and improving traffic flow, safety, and economic access, has been stalled by disputes over space at the Havana four-way intersection.

Over 400 informal traders operate in the area, but their plans to move into a newly allocated community market site have been delayed.

The site, earmarked as an alternative trading area, is currently occupied by 44 households and a church, who were given plots at Havana Extensions 8 and 11.

Some vendors say the delays are holding them back.

“I work at Havana four-way. My previous salon was destroyed by project developers, and now I have to hop from one spot to another. We need land where we can operate. Some people were given plots elsewhere, but they’re still here. Why are they not moving? It makes our lives difficult," Martha David, an informal trader, told Namibian Sun on Wednesday.

Paulus Shifa, another trader, added: “We were told that 45 households and a church received plots in Moses //Garoeb, but they haven’t moved. Some even occupy both the new and old plots. It’s unfair to us. We agreed on this relocation early last year, but nothing happened.”

Incomplete infrastructure

Hertha Nashingo, one of the households asked to move, explained: “Nashingo explained that the delay was not due to stubbornness or refusing to cooperate. “We cannot just move to a place that will not meet our needs. It is not that we do not want to relocate — we want proper, safe living conditions. The City of Windhoek gave us deadlines, but every time we followed up, they provided new excuses or extended deadlines.

"Some vendors say we are making their lives difficult, but that is not true. We understand their concerns, and we are not trying to create conflict. We just want clarity and proper services before we leave our current homes.”

She added that interactions with some traders have at times been tense.

“Sometimes when I walk past certain vendors, they treat me as if I am the enemy. Some have even threatened me. They do not understand that we are waiting for the plots to be fully prepared before moving. We agreed to relocate, but the city must play its part and be honest with everyone. Until these issues are resolved, we cannot leave, and we hope everyone, vendors, residents, and city officials, can work together so that the process is fair and clear." she said.

The City of Windhoek said in a statement on Wednesday that relocation is part of a structured plan.

“Affected households were formally consulted. The approach entails relocating residents first, after which vendors will move into a portion of the vacated space. This allows road construction to continue safely while creating a safer, more organized trading environment,” the city said.

The statement also clarified that vendors would not be moved to Ongos Valley Township but would remain near their current location, ensuring access to customers and protection of livelihoods.

The road upgrade project, spanning 6.1 km from the B1 Western Bypass to Matshitshi Street, has faced repeated delays due to the presence of informal vendors and residents within the road reserve.

The city urges all parties to cooperate so construction can proceed, emphasizing that development and dignity must go hand in hand.

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