Staff Reporter
THE Oshakati Town Council has erected ‘No Urination/Defecation’ signs at the open space adjacent to the Dr Frans Aupa Indongo Open Market, a move welcomed by vendors and security guards stationed at the site.
Open-air urination has long been prohibited at Omatala, but enforcement was only stepped up recently. Security guards have been physically stopping people and, in some cases, manhandling those who insisted on urinating in public, citing broken or dirty ablution facilities as an excuse.
Hygiene around the market has been a concern for years. Market management has now taken a firm stance to end unhygienic practices.
All traders and customers must use the toilet facilities inside Omatala. Violators face a N$100 fine. Private security guards have been deployed to enforce the rules.
Enforcement has, however, led to frequent clashes between guards and members of the public.
Guards say the situation has improved since the ‘No Urination/Defecation’ signs were put up last week.
“People can see for themselves that we are not making things up. The signs are there for everyone to see,” one guard said.
Twamoneni Jonas, a vendor who advocated for the signs, thanked the Oshakati Town Council for responding to the traders’ request.
“The council acted promptly on our request that signs be put up to de-escalate the clashes between guards and members of the community,” Jonas said.
The open market is situated between an oshana and nearby shopping malls. It accommodates more than 800 traders and thousands of customers daily.
HYGIENE RULES: Vendor Twamoneni Jonas at one of the ‘No Urination/Defecation’ signs. Photos: Contributed
