Rundu vendors up in arms over rent hikes

RUNDU vendors have protested against sudden rental hikes by the town council, demanding transparency and better consultation on fee increases of up to 900%.

Vendors from the Rundu, Tandaveka and Sauyemwa open markets protested against the sudden increases on Monday.

Vendor chairperson Kongo Mukava said they are demanding transparency, fairness, and genuine dialogue from the Rundu Town Council.

“We are discontent with the town council’s lack of consultation before announcing the abrupt price hikes, with a more than 800% increase,” he said.

The price increases range from 0% to 900%, according to a list seen by The Namibian.

Firewood increased from N$27 to N$150, and the price of renting kitchen stalls increased by 900% – from N$50 to N$500.

Mukava said the failure of the council to consult with the vendors is unacceptable.

“Angolan and unregistered street vendors are blocking people from coming to open markets on pension paydays,” he said.

He said the chaos hinders business at the open market.

“We are demanding clarification on whether the fee adjustments applied exclusively to vendors, because some town council employees have stands. We don’t know if they’re paying,” Mukava said.

He said vendors can only afford the original rates and proposed proper adjustments through government consultation.

“Where do you want us to go? Should we all go to the streets?” he asked.

Mukava said the town council has no initiative to support vendors.

“There’s a lack of human resources at open markets, operation places, and cleaning materials,” he said.

Rundu open market vendor Theresia Kambinda says passion is what keeps her working at the open market.

“For us who do tailoring, our machines are overloaded on one plug, which makes our equipment vulnerable,” she says.

Kambinda says there are no lights, which makes their work difficult.

“The toilets are out of order, and we are required to pay N$2 to use it while are paying to operate here. There’s no hygiene in this place,” she says.

Rundu chief executive Olavi Nathanael says the vendors did not indicate they were planning a demonstration.

“I’m supposed to prepare the mayor or the deputy mayor to receive it. I am not informed,” he says.

Nathanael says fees had to be hiked for several reasons.

“The cost of electricity, maintenance, and other expenses have risen significantly, and it’s unfortunate, but the fee increases were necessary to keep operations sustainable.

“You can’t give things for free. It’s unfortunate,” he says.

Nathanael says there is no room for negotiating fees.

“It’s about sustainability, the wheel must keep turning,” he says.