Questions over N$5.6m open market
Mixed feelings have been received regarding an open market in Outapi in Omusati Region which was constructed at a tune of N$5.6million and caters for a mere 48 vendors.
On Saturday, outgoing urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa inaugurated the Anamulenge Open Market which has been hailed as a milestone and a step forward in addressing the issue of people selling on the streets. However, concerned members of the public expressed their dissatisfaction over the amount council spent on the project, saying that the cost was too high if one looks at the actual construction. The first phase of the open market which built by Cottage Construction CC, consists of 48 open trading stalls, two braai areas and an ablution block. Community members say they have seen open markets in other towns which are better looking, and more conducive for buying and selling, but which did not come with a price tag of N$5.6 million. Some are calling for an investigation. “Whoever believes that the open market cost that much money needs to think again. Firstly, those are not cubicles they are open areas which mean that if a strong wind comes the vendors will need to act quickly.
The space is limited and people selling food and drinks will have a problem in the future to host their customers as their businesses expand,” a community member said. “If one can estimate the cost of the iron sheets used to construct the roof, it will be in the range of N$50 000 to N$100 000. I am surprised why people are not asking more questions.” They also pointed out that throughout the event none of the officials, including Shaningwa mentioned the current number of vendors accommodated at the facility, but instead mentioned only the 197 vendors who will benefit once the project is completed.
When approached for comment the CEO for Outapi, Ananias Nashilongo, said he understands that people will always criticise. “If people think the money used was too much, they must come out and say how much the current structure is worth. People will always criticise,” Nashilongo said.
He explained that the area where the open market is constructed was not formalised and therefore a substation had to be established first which was costly. He also said that various experts worked on the project making reference to the activities before construction commenced, such as the planning and design. “Before construction started, we had to make use of an architect who planned the open market for us and that cost us money. There were various engineers and their services needed to be paid for too,” Nashilongo said. Namibian Sun spoke to some of the vendors who indicated that they are yet to be informed by council of how much they will have to pay for monthly rental. They however raised concern over the selling of tombo which is being sold at the open market. They say it has a foul smell which may “chase customers away”.
“The smell of tombo is terrible and some of us are selling food here. That smell will chase our customers away. We also don't know where the people selling tombo came from,” a vendor questioned.
KENYA KAMBOWE
On Saturday, outgoing urban and rural development minister Sophia Shaningwa inaugurated the Anamulenge Open Market which has been hailed as a milestone and a step forward in addressing the issue of people selling on the streets. However, concerned members of the public expressed their dissatisfaction over the amount council spent on the project, saying that the cost was too high if one looks at the actual construction. The first phase of the open market which built by Cottage Construction CC, consists of 48 open trading stalls, two braai areas and an ablution block. Community members say they have seen open markets in other towns which are better looking, and more conducive for buying and selling, but which did not come with a price tag of N$5.6 million. Some are calling for an investigation. “Whoever believes that the open market cost that much money needs to think again. Firstly, those are not cubicles they are open areas which mean that if a strong wind comes the vendors will need to act quickly.
The space is limited and people selling food and drinks will have a problem in the future to host their customers as their businesses expand,” a community member said. “If one can estimate the cost of the iron sheets used to construct the roof, it will be in the range of N$50 000 to N$100 000. I am surprised why people are not asking more questions.” They also pointed out that throughout the event none of the officials, including Shaningwa mentioned the current number of vendors accommodated at the facility, but instead mentioned only the 197 vendors who will benefit once the project is completed.
When approached for comment the CEO for Outapi, Ananias Nashilongo, said he understands that people will always criticise. “If people think the money used was too much, they must come out and say how much the current structure is worth. People will always criticise,” Nashilongo said.
He explained that the area where the open market is constructed was not formalised and therefore a substation had to be established first which was costly. He also said that various experts worked on the project making reference to the activities before construction commenced, such as the planning and design. “Before construction started, we had to make use of an architect who planned the open market for us and that cost us money. There were various engineers and their services needed to be paid for too,” Nashilongo said. Namibian Sun spoke to some of the vendors who indicated that they are yet to be informed by council of how much they will have to pay for monthly rental. They however raised concern over the selling of tombo which is being sold at the open market. They say it has a foul smell which may “chase customers away”.
“The smell of tombo is terrible and some of us are selling food here. That smell will chase our customers away. We also don't know where the people selling tombo came from,” a vendor questioned.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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