Walvis Bay harbour permit system a hurdle for some vendors

An entrepreneur has been left frustrated by what she describes as an unannounced change of rules and requirements concerning vendors exhibiting their products at the Walvis Bay harbour south gate.

Sweetness Mubita, a fashion designer based in Windhoek, took a shuttle with her clothing stock to Walvis Bay in the final week of March to exhibit her goods at the venue.

On arrival, she was told by a vendor that she needed a permit because things had changed recently and that only 40 vendors were being accommodated at a time. “It was the first time that I had heard about a permit, and I did not know that things had changed. I called the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) and was informed by the persons in charge of the passenger vessels that no paperwork was required.”

Mubita proceeded to set up her stall in an area that had not been assigned a number in order to avoid conflict. While she waited for the municipality to open to apply for the required permit, a representative of the vendors approached and said she had no right to set up her stall. “I stopped putting out my stock. When a second person approached me and insisted that I remove my stall, I removed the clothes that I had hung out.”

According to Mubita, another woman also arrived. “She introduced herself as Tuli from the municipality and demanded to see my permit. I told her that I did not have a permit and was about to go and obtain one because I was under the impression that I could do so on the day. She told me that the change in procedures was advertised in the media and was adamant that I pack up and go."

Mubita packed up her stuff. “I felt very threatened and intimidated when a group of armed security guards and an official from the municipality arrived and just started dismantling my gazebo.”

Little information

Mubita alleged that Tuli (Iishitile), who was identified as the manager for economic development at Walvis Bay municipality, refused to provide her with proper information.

She said when she searched for a notice in the paper, information was scarce.

“I could not find any adverts on the issue on social media or in the local papers. An advert was published on the municipality's Facebook page on 29 March.”

The notice informs traders that they should register every time a cruise ship arrives, and this process will be done five working days before the arrival of vessels.

In the interim, registration is being facilitated on a WhatsApp group managed by the economic development officer to accommodate traders not residing in the harbour town. All vendors are also required to register via the economic development office with council, effective 19 March.

Hurdle

At the municipality, Mubita claims she was told it was already too late for her to be issued a permit for the month. Her name was added to a list, for the first week of April.

"When the time arrived, I called on the municipality to enquire about the state of the permit and never received a response," she said.

Since the due date was approaching fast, Mubita decided to travel to Walvis Bay to collect the permit. “Upon my arrival, I was informed that my name was not added to the list because Tuli had allegedly instructed that it should not be added," she claimed.

This marked another setback for Mubita, who had spent an estimated N$9 400 on transportation, accommodation and meals. “Because of this, my business was affected adversely. I travelled to the coast to make money, but instead I lost money. I am disheartened by the fact that a certain individual is the cause of my suffering and loss. I would appreciate an apology and a reimbursement.”

Safety matter

Iishitile referred Namibia Media Holdings to a municipal spokesperson for comment on the matter.

The public relations division said the municipality had observed a significant influx of arts and crafts vendors, coinciding with the docking of cruise ships at the Port of Walvis Bay.

And while the arrival of vessels offered an opportunity to vendors, the municipality said it also resulted in some challenges, such as congestion experienced at the Namport south gate, which poses a safety hazard.

"To create a safe and conducive trading environment, the council, together with vendors, implemented a method to reduce the number of traders to 40. This allows for a more controlled and orderly setting for tourists and traders alike. All vendors are encouraged to adhere to the new guidelines to help maintain a pleasant experience for all."