Maria David
THE Town Council of Oshakati has admitted that it has no plans to assist the COVID-19 affected business community to restart their activities, as they just mere facilitators.
The council during their eighth Business Breakfast Meeting indicated that it is merely a facilitator that will assist with creating a conducive environment for businesses.
The town’s Local Economic Development Officer, Fidelis Kabozu said the council has invited all business owners from the beginning of the outbreak of COVID-19 and engaged them.
Kabozu indicated that 1698 businesses operating in Oshakati was reported to have been affected and a list was comply and send to Ministry of Urban and Rural Development with some having benefited from Social Security Commission COVID-19 package.
However, with regards to reviving the economy of the town council has no plans this far of any kind.
“Council just acts as facilitators and has no funds of their own,” he said.
This year’s Business Breakfast Meeting was held under the theme: “Economic revival during and after COVID-19”.
Speaking at the same occasion Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) Chief Executive Officer Martin Iinkumbi, said the bank is aware of the economic challenge due to COVID-19.
Iinkumbi pointed out that they have created 12 months repayment holiday for their borrowers and meeting local business people halfway.
