The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban and Rural Development is assessing the progress on the relocation of vendors around Windhoek's Havana 4-Way relocation, as the City of Windhoek moves ahead with plans to upgrade the Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road and transform the busy area.
The relocation has not been without challenges.
Residents have raised concerns about access roads and the availability of basic services such as water, electricity, and sanitation at the new sites.
"The people in this area are not saying that they do not want to relocate. No, what they feel is that whenever the process starts moving forward, they are not properly consulted or considered. It is important to engage and convince the people. Instead, they suddenly come in and tell you that this is what we have to do. Sometimes they hold public meetings with the affected people, but the people feel that their concerns are not properly addressed,” said Joseph Lirondo.
Mayor of the City of Windhoek Sakarias Uunona said infrastructure works are being rolled out, including electrical installations, roads, sewerage, storm water systems, and improved access.
"Number one is the non-completion of this project, including the road and market that have to be built. They have also been told that they have to be relocated. There is a site that has already been specifically demarcated for this purpose, and these people are expected to relocate there.
Some of them have already moved to those areas, while others are still refusing to move."
Deputy Chairperson of the Committee Werner Iita explained.
“We went to Havana Extension 8 and 11; we detected that incremental servicing is taking place. In other words, there are services taking place there, houses are being built, toilets and water are being provided, although it is not completed. So that's why we are 60% satisfied with the project of the City of Windhoek.”
The relocation of the residents is also directly linked to the future of the vendors operating at the 4-Way, where around 400 informal traders operate.
Once households occupying the proposed market site are relocate, the city intends to make that space available for a more organised community market where the vendors can continue trading.