City, Chinatown traders seek compromise over informal trading dispute
The City of Windhoek and representatives of informal traders operating at Chinatown have started discussions aimed at finding a solution to the ongoing dispute over roadside trading activities.
The engagement follows a peaceful march by traders to the City’s head office, where they raised concerns about the directive to vacate the area due to safety, hygiene and by law compliance issues.
The City said more than 100 traders operating at Chinatown have been affected by the move, with complaints from residents and formal businesses including traffic congestion, trading on road reserves, waste management problems, open fires near properties, sanitation concerns and the involvement of children in trading activities.
City Chief Executive Officer Moses Matyayi said the municipality has held several engagements with informal traders and will continue educating them about trading regulations.
However, he said compliance remains a challenge.“Our concern is the safety of both traders and the public. Trading on road reserves, poor waste disposal and fire hazards place lives and property at risk,” Matyayi said.
The City pointed to existing formal markets in Windhoek, including Bonsmara Market, which is located near Chinatown, as an alternative space for traders. However, trader representatives argued that moving away from the roadside location could affect their income, saying many customers prefer buying from their current trading area.
Windhoek Mayor Sakaria Uunona said the issue is not about stopping people from making a living but ensuring that trading takes place in a safe and regulated environment.
He said previous relocations have shown that informal traders can successfully operate from formal markets if they adapt to the new locations.
The City said plans to establish a formal market at Chinatown remain part of its long term vision, but the project would require investment in infrastructure such as water, sewer systems and other municipal services.
As an immediate solution, the 104 traders will be encouraged to apply for available spaces at Bonsmara Market and other designated trading areas.
Trader representatives have also proposed contributing N$200 monthly towards the development of a future formal trading facility and forming an association to improve cooperation with the City.
The City said enforcement of municipal by laws is not aimed at taking away economic opportunities, but at creating a safer and more organised trading environment for both traders and the public.
A formal response outlining the next steps is expected to be issued by the municipality.
Source: City of Windhoek.
