Informal traders shattered
OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
Informal traders who have been restricted from doing business are lamenting the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, saying it will be hard to resume normal business practices.
Namibian Sun visited Single Quarters where City of Windhoek workers were cleaning and painting the market in an effort to get operations up and running again. Trader Aina Niiwale said a pause in business meant no money to feed her family.
“We lost money but I admit that I am scared of the coronavirus. There is no money and no food at home. We are suffering too much but we are afraid of the coronavirus.”
Still waiting
Niiwale was still waiting to receive her emergency income grant, which government rolled out to subsidise informal traders who lost income. “Even the ministry of finance's grant, there is nothing. I did not get anything, not even the food parcels that are being given out.” Martha Nelago said it was costly to stay at home and not trade. “I am deeply affected by this lockdown and staying home has been costly. Immediately when the lockdown was announced, we were affected,” she said.
Nelago said people were also less willing to visit the market, as more information about the coronavirus became available.
“The coronavirus is real. There used to be a lot of people here but not anymore. I would usually sell up to 140 fat cakes, but before the lockdown, I could only sell 10 a day,” she said.
No money
A helpless Penehafo Ashipala said suspending her business meant no money for her to feed her family.
“We do not know what we can do because there is no money,” she said. “We need help from our local councillor or even government. We feel very bad.”
Petrus Shikongo, who sells kapana, said the lockdown meant more expenses for them when procuring meat, as they had to discard fresh meat they had in stock. “Don't say lockdown,” Shikongo said when approached by Namibian Sun. “Till today only two people who operate in this market have received their grants. We lost meat and we often buy the meat on credit from cattle farmers.”
Informal traders were supposed to resume business activities yesterday.
WINDHOEK
Informal traders who have been restricted from doing business are lamenting the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, saying it will be hard to resume normal business practices.
Namibian Sun visited Single Quarters where City of Windhoek workers were cleaning and painting the market in an effort to get operations up and running again. Trader Aina Niiwale said a pause in business meant no money to feed her family.
“We lost money but I admit that I am scared of the coronavirus. There is no money and no food at home. We are suffering too much but we are afraid of the coronavirus.”
Still waiting
Niiwale was still waiting to receive her emergency income grant, which government rolled out to subsidise informal traders who lost income. “Even the ministry of finance's grant, there is nothing. I did not get anything, not even the food parcels that are being given out.” Martha Nelago said it was costly to stay at home and not trade. “I am deeply affected by this lockdown and staying home has been costly. Immediately when the lockdown was announced, we were affected,” she said.
Nelago said people were also less willing to visit the market, as more information about the coronavirus became available.
“The coronavirus is real. There used to be a lot of people here but not anymore. I would usually sell up to 140 fat cakes, but before the lockdown, I could only sell 10 a day,” she said.
No money
A helpless Penehafo Ashipala said suspending her business meant no money for her to feed her family.
“We do not know what we can do because there is no money,” she said. “We need help from our local councillor or even government. We feel very bad.”
Petrus Shikongo, who sells kapana, said the lockdown meant more expenses for them when procuring meat, as they had to discard fresh meat they had in stock. “Don't say lockdown,” Shikongo said when approached by Namibian Sun. “Till today only two people who operate in this market have received their grants. We lost meat and we often buy the meat on credit from cattle farmers.”
Informal traders were supposed to resume business activities yesterday.
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