Abraham Mwanyekange
OUTAPI – Market vendors in Outapi owe the town council about N$5 million, according to spokesperson Joolokeni Haidula, who said the debt has increased mainly due to the impact of Covid-19.
Haidula said vendors from different markets owe different amounts.
Omatala Onimbu sellers owe the Outapi Town Council about N$2.9 million, Outapi sellers owing N$1.9 million, Anamulenge owing around N$533 000, and Olefa sellers owing about N$5.8 million.
Haidula called on all those with outstanding debts to visit the Council offices so that payment arrangements can be made. She said the council is willing to assist traders by allowing them to pay in small amounts over time. She also confirmed that the Council has approved a debt amnesty programme to help residents reduce or settle their debts, although she did not say when the programme will end.
Some market sellers told this publication that they have received letters from the council demanding payment and fear that they might lose their market stalls if they fail to pay. One seller, Nalupe Lucia, said she owes N$14 000, while Naemi Martin said she owes N$12 000. The traders said business has been very slow since the Covid-19 period, making it difficult for them to meet their payments. “After Covid-19, business went down. There are no customers, so it is hard to pay,” Martin said.
However, Haidula said the Council has not said it will remove sellers from their current stalls. She added that the council will soon relocate all people selling in the streets to a new open market, although she did not reveal the location of the market. She said the aim is to bring all traders together in one place to improve business order and management. Haidula further urged traders to try to settle their debts.