By Koviao Matuzee
The City of Windhoek recently briefed parliamentary committees on its economic development initiatives, outlining projects that include an N$8.8 million market near Central Hospital, a N$4.7 million market opposite Shoprite and a proposed N$15 million facility at Truckport/Woodcarvers market.
Windhoek’s informal traders could soon have access to better trading facilities as the City moves ahead with market projects worth millions of dollars, seeking to create safer, more organized spaces for small businesses.
The projects aim to expand trading opportunities for people whose small businesses provide a livelihood for themselves and their families.
However, the scale of the plans also highlights the challenge facing the municipality: creating enough suitable trading space as more people move to the capital in search of economic opportunities.
Briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Economy and Industry, Public Administration and Planning, and the Standing Committee on Urban, Rural Development and Land Reform, City chief executive officer (CEO) Moses Matyayi outlined progress on the market developments.
Millions for trading infrastructure
Construction of the Central Hospital market and taxi rank is expected to begin following the handover of the site this month. The N$8.8 million project will accommodate 50 traders.
At Erf 7203, opposite Shoprite, the contractor has also received the site for construction of a market expected to provide trading space for 46 vendors.
The N$4.7 million project has received N$3.2 million from Debmarine Namibia, demonstrating the role of private-sector funding in helping the municipality develop infrastructure for small businesses. Completion is expected by December 2026.
Meanwhile, designs for the Truckport/Woodcarvers market have been completed, with access-road designs still underway. The project is estimated to cost N$15 million.
Together, the three projects represent an estimated N$28.5 million in planned market infrastructure investment. However, this figure should not be interpreted as money already spent, as the developments are at different stages.
The proposed facilities could offer traders more organised places to operate while giving the City greater scope to manage trading activities and address concerns around safety and sanitation.
Havana remains a major challenge
One of the largest developments is planned for Havana 4-Way, where the relocation of remaining informal traders is continuing to clear the way for completion of the Aneas Peter Nanyemba Road.
A market is also planned in the area to accommodate approximately 350 traders, potentially making it the largest facility outlined during the briefing.
For traders, however, relocation is not simply a matter of moving stalls. The success of a trading location often depends on visibility, accessibility and proximity to customers. A new market must therefore provide more than physical space; it must also allow vendors to maintain their businesses and earn a living.
The Havana project illustrates the challenge of balancing road development with the livelihoods of people who depend on informal trading.
Funding pressure grows
Matyayi told the committees that rapid rural-to-urban migration continues to put pressure on the City’s ability to provide services.
He called for government support in delivering social services and reiterated the need for a sustainable central government funding allocation model for local authorities.
The funding question is critical because markets require more than construction. Traders need essential services, while the municipality must maintain facilities and manage growing demand for trading space.
The N$28.5 million planned for the three costed projects represents a significant investment, but the City faces a broader challenge: ensuring that urban development creates room not only for roads and formal businesses, but also for residents trying to make a living through small-scale trade.
