The Ongwediva Town Council has made significant progress on the development of its open market, aimed at improving trading space and facilities for local vendors.
Council spokesperson Ottilie Shingenge says the decision to upgrade the open market follows Ongwediva’s rapid growth and the need for modern, well-equipped trading facilities.
“The existing infrastructure no longer meets current standards of hygiene, safety, and efficiency, prompting the council to act,” she says.
According to the council, the upgrade project will cost N$3 million.
“It forms part of the council’s broader urban renewal plan to strengthen local commerce, improve service delivery, and support long-term economic growth,” Shingenge says.
The upgrades include renovated ablution facilities, new business buildings, demarcation, paving, and improved access to power supply and clean water.
“For the traders, there will be better working conditions, reduced crowding, and streamlined business.
Shoppers will have better sanitation, better lighting, and a cleaner, less confusing market layout,” the spokesperson says.
She says the extension is implemented under the town’s department of economic development and community services, assisted by Lithon Project Consultants, and guided by the Public Procurement Act and the council’s standard conditions of contract.
“… regular monitoring, cost control, and review of progress to ensure the project is in time and on budget,” Shingenge says.
The market upgrade will be executed in four phases over four financial years.
Phase one will focus on ablution facilities, paving, and earthworks, and is expected to be completed by this month.
Phase two, starting in November, will involve renovating food stalls, upgrading water systems, and constructing a new butchery.
Most vendors who make use of the open market have expressed satisfaction with the ongoing extension and upgrading works, suggesting that this would render the market more inviting and more comfortable for both vendors and customers.
Vegetable vendor Hileni Michael says the renovations have already made a visible impact.
“We are very happy to see things shape up. The market is cleaner and more organised, which makes it simpler for us to attend to our customers. Once all is completed, I believe more people will come to shop here,” she says.
Markus Haihambo, who sells clothing and other accessories, says the new stalls and better facilities would allow them to operate more efficiently.
“Before, we had space problems and poor drainage when it rains. Now everything is improving, and we are grateful to the council for investing in us small business operators,” he says.
