Maria David
NAMIBIA Local Business Association (NALOBA) has condemned the plans by City of Windhoek to shut down home shops, saying such act will contribute to the already high unemployment rate.
NALOBA’s vice-president Peter Amadhila said that, if implemented, the proposal by City Windhoek to stop commercial activities at residential areas would leave hundreds of people jobless and without an income.
It was reported recently that the Windhoek municipality is considering implementing a new policy that would phase out commercial activities at residential properties.
Amadhila stated that the news has sent a shock wave throughout the country, especially in Windhoek.
He said home shops, whether registered or not registered, are the primary source of income to many Windhoek residents.
Home shops have also created much needed employment opportunities.
He said that many of the country’s professionals such as medical doctors, engineers, teachers etc., were moulded with the financial support from those home shops selling soft drinks, beer, kapana and fat cakes, among others.
Amadhila indicated that many of the home shop owners are NALOBA members and some are aspiring members.
Therefore, NALOBA has a duty to protect their interests.
He indicated that municipality can only close home shops by creating an alternative, user-friendly business environment for the people.
