Placido Hilukilwa
OPEN-AIR urination is strictly prohibited, but most of the time, the available ablution facilities at the Dr Frans Aupa Indongo Open Market (Omatala) in Oshakati are out of order and filthy.
That is the dilemma facing vendors and their customers.
The open market — sandwiched between an oshana and nearby shopping malls — accommodates more than 800 traders and thousands of customers daily.
The facility hosts various small-scale businesses, including food and beverage stalls, fresh produce, clothing, crafts and a long-distance bus station.
Until recently, most vendors and customers avoided the ablution facilities, preferring to urinate in the nearby open space.
The market management has now put a definitive stop to the practice.
Everyone must use the toilet facilities within Omatala, with violators fined N$100.
A private security company has placed guards between Omatala and the open space to enforce the new hygiene regulations, which have been largely welcomed by community members.
However, enforcement has been problematic, with guards frequently clashing with individuals caught trying to urinate in the open space — either because they are unaware of the new rules, cannot afford the N$3 fee for toilet access, or because the toilets are out of order.
Shilongo’s case
Dionisius Shilongo, a construction worker, was one of those who allegedly fell victim to the guards.
“On Monday, I took my elderly mother to the clinic. On our way back home, we stopped at Omatala. I did not have enough money, so I gave her taxi money and decided to walk to my house at Onawa. But as I left Omatala, I was confronted by guards accusing me of intending to urinate in the forbidden area. I tried to explain myself, but they would not listen. After a short scuffle — during which one of the guards grabbed me by the throat — they overpowered me and handcuffed my arms behind my back. I ran to the police station, but they caught up with me before I got there. They removed the handcuffs and let me go,” he said.
Shilongo has an abrasion, a swollen wrist and a painful throat, and was given a day off sick on Tuesday.
“The regulations were implemented without proper groundwork. Management did not hold an information meeting with traders and vendors. Also, ‘No Urination’ signs should have been erected at the site,” said Twamoneni Jonas, a beverages trader.
The Town Council spokesperson, Martin Kapuka, said signs will be put up soon, adding that the decision has already been made.
He also said the relevant departments will act on traders’ and customers’ complaints.
