By Berio Mbala WINDHOEK The construction of a multi-million dollar arts and crafts centre and upgrading of the Katima Mulilo Market are set for completion by end May 2007. The N$30-million project is a joint venture between the Namibian Government and the Government of Luxemburg, whose main objectives was to promote business activities of the informal distribution sector and the arts and crafts sector at Katima Mulilo. Erich Feierabend, a team leader of Lux Development Technical Assistance, said the upgrading of the market is now in the fourth and final phase. The centre will be officially opened in June 2007. The upgrading took place around the same old open market, with business activities operating at the same time. “The market was extended and given a facelift that encompasses facilities for preparation of food and storage of perishable goods, as well as construction of ablution facilities,” he stated. He added that this would promote a more hygienic and pleasant environment for both traders and their customers, which is presently not the case. The envisioned project will also encompass a traditional village, a restaurant that will serve African cuisines, an amphitheatre and a curio shop. Small shops would also be constructed around the arts and crafts centre that will cater particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), he said. The upgrading and renovation of the market also included the construction of a taxi rank, upgrading the roofs of the blocks comprising lockable stalls that leaked during the rainy season, as well as the installation of a meter for electricity cables and a distribution board required for the operation of cooling containers. Feierabend also told New Era that vendors and those selling crafts benefited further from the project by receiving special training in business management. They were taught how to prepare, display and correctly store their wares. He said this special training was conducted by Lux Development project NAM-340 to support business operators at the Ngwezi Market and the Arts and Crafts sector. Once the fourth and final phase of the new facility is complete, it will be handed over to the Town Council for the official opening. This is set to boost tourism in the Caprivi Region. Feasibility studies were already conducted in 2000, and the agreement detailig the project was also signed in 2003 between the Namibian Government and the Government of Luxembourg. Meanwhile, vendors at the Katima Mulilo market say they are happy with the new facility. A vendor at the Katima Mulilo Market, Mary Malumo, said: “The market was under construction while we were operating our business normally without any interruption. We are also happy with the market fee (N$100) which we get to pay to the Town Council”. She said there are stands for different business activities such as fresh fish, dried fish, tomatoes, onions, vegetables, traditional fruits, garments, music stands, and others.