Upgrade for Epupa market
The Epupa informal market in Opuwo will soon be upgraded to a formal structure with a roof and electricity.
Sean Makono, an assistant at the Local Economic Development Division of Opuwo Town Council, told Nampa on Tuesday that the council will start upgrading the market at the beginning of July.
Makono said the council has budgeted N$300 000 for the long-awaited project, which will include the provision of electricity, erecting of a fence and installation of a roof.
Council is considering hiring a fulltime security guard and cleaner.
Currently, hygiene at the market is a problem as there are no toilets and operators and customers to discard rubbish anywhere as there are no rubbish bins.
Opuwo Mayor Albert Tjiuma confirmed the upgrade, saying the council is also relooking how it meets and communicates with traders.
“We can't upgrade the facility and have poor communication with the traders. If we carry on like this, it will affect the market negatively in terms of maintenance,” Tjiuma said.
Minister of mines and energy Obeth Kandjoze, during the official opening of the Opuwo Trade Fair last week, appealed to the council to revitalise its relationship with traders for the betterment of conditions at the market.
“Create a friendship highway between yourself and the traders to iron out the problems,” Kandjoze advised.
Makono admitted to this agency that the relationship between the traders and council is not healthy and needs to be worked on.
Uakandaiza Tjiharuka, leader of the local Ovivapa community, said improvements to the market are welcome not only for the sake of the traders, but for the sake of their customers and for the town's image.
CEO of the Opuwo Town Council, Abel Katjoho said about 100 people are trading at Epupa, but the upgraded facility would include street vendors.
NAMPA
Sean Makono, an assistant at the Local Economic Development Division of Opuwo Town Council, told Nampa on Tuesday that the council will start upgrading the market at the beginning of July.
Makono said the council has budgeted N$300 000 for the long-awaited project, which will include the provision of electricity, erecting of a fence and installation of a roof.
Council is considering hiring a fulltime security guard and cleaner.
Currently, hygiene at the market is a problem as there are no toilets and operators and customers to discard rubbish anywhere as there are no rubbish bins.
Opuwo Mayor Albert Tjiuma confirmed the upgrade, saying the council is also relooking how it meets and communicates with traders.
“We can't upgrade the facility and have poor communication with the traders. If we carry on like this, it will affect the market negatively in terms of maintenance,” Tjiuma said.
Minister of mines and energy Obeth Kandjoze, during the official opening of the Opuwo Trade Fair last week, appealed to the council to revitalise its relationship with traders for the betterment of conditions at the market.
“Create a friendship highway between yourself and the traders to iron out the problems,” Kandjoze advised.
Makono admitted to this agency that the relationship between the traders and council is not healthy and needs to be worked on.
Uakandaiza Tjiharuka, leader of the local Ovivapa community, said improvements to the market are welcome not only for the sake of the traders, but for the sake of their customers and for the town's image.
CEO of the Opuwo Town Council, Abel Katjoho said about 100 people are trading at Epupa, but the upgraded facility would include street vendors.
NAMPA
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