CoW denies halting informal trade in Dorado Park

Allexer Namundjembo

The City of Windhoek has denied allegations that the office of the chief executive officer instructed officials to stop issuing new informal trading permits, maintaining that applications continue to be processed in accordance with existing regulations.

The clarification follows concerns raised by Councillor Maitjituavi Kavetu, who on 6 July wrote to chief executive officer Moses Matyayi requesting information on enforcement measures affecting informal traders in Dorado Park.

In his memorandum, Kavetu said he had received numerous complaints from residents and traders alleging that City Police officers had prevented informal traders from operating after the City allegedly refused to issue trading letters to new applicants.

He further said officials in the economic development department had indicated that the decision stemmed from a directive issued by the CEO’s office.