The U.S. Embassy has funded the Vendors Initiative for Social & Economic Transformation (VISET) Namibia to upgrade the first phase of the Ongendambala Open Market.

The renovations are set to cost over N$306,000.

The Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy, Tiffany Miller, says the market's upgrade will have a significant impact on business conducted there.

"More work needs to be done to ensure that opportunities for socially and economically inclusive development exist here and in other communities in Namibia. The U.S. government remains a partner with Namibia and will continue to expand opportunities for Namibia in an effort to accelerate economic development in Namibia by Facilitating  business relations."

The City of Windhoek (CoW) Mayor, Joseph Uapingene, noted that the open market will provide suitable and safe trading areas for traders and customers.

"The programme of Infrastructure development provides the necessary economic and physical infrastructure as well as support services to the residents of the city, enhancing their potential for socio-economic development. Council has to date made provision for a total of 18 open markets, which include a communal car wash."

"This platform will provide an avenue for SME And informal traders to participate in an environment where they can share experiences and conduct business with one another, reducing the risks inherent in business start-ups and increasing awareness of and access to information on support services available to them by all service providers, says Samora Machel Constituency Councillor Nestor Kalola.

The upgrade was facilitated and initiated by the Vendors Initiative For Social and Economic Transformation Namibia.