Maria David
THE Okongo Village Council is in the process of constructing a state-of-the-art open market, bus and taxi terminus with the aim of bringing services closer to the people.
The construction, which already kicked off in April, is expected to be completed this month and will cost the council close to N$ 3 million.
Head of Technical Service Victor Nathile, said the construction will be done in three phases, with phase one nearly completed.
Nathile stated that the decision was taken by council to construct a new open market, bus and taxi terminus for traders do business in an open and safe environment.
DEVELOPMENT: Okongo Village Council to construct a state-of-the-art open market, bus and taxi terminus for the residents. Photos: Maria David. 
DEVELOPMENT: Okongo Village Council to construct a state-of-the-art open market, bus and taxi terminus for the residents. Photos: Maria David. 
DEVELOPMENT: Okongo Village Council to construct a state-of-the-art open market, bus and taxi terminus for the residents. Photos: Maria David.
“Currently, our local traders are doing business along the C-45 road which is dangerous and may result in accidents, there is also no ablution facilities to deem it fit for operation,” he said.
He added that they are doing this to promote safe business operations for both traders and the transportation industry in the town.
So far, the project consists of a portal frame shade or canopy with paving.
Nathile indicated that once the construction is completed it will house 128 traders from Okongo and its surroundings.
“We understand the need to ensure safety to for people, be it in the trading or transportation industry, hence our decision was taken in line with that by the council,” he added.
Local trader and resident of Okongo Carolina Shimbalula, said that the construction of a new open market is a sign of development in the town and will constitute to the growth of the Okongo.
Shimbalula stated that where they are trading currently is not safe for the business, as their products at times get damaged by livestock or stolen by the people at night due to no security watch.
“Once we are moved to the new facilities our properties will be safe and a security guard will be on the lookout,” she said.
Shimbalula indicated that the development has its own good and bad side, but it all comes with economic development for the people.
