The salvage scrap yard in the capital's northern industrial area was packed this morning as scrap collectors tried to cash in after a long weekend.

The scrap yard has been closed since the start of the festive season, and scrap collectors made sure they queued up for their livelihood well ahead of opening time.

Some told our news team that they had been there since five o'clock, even with the facility opening only at seven o'clock.

While most people enjoy the holiday season, scrap collectors have a difficult time because scrap yards are closed during the holiday season.

"Our gang is to hustle. We come here to hustle, but Namibia does not have anything. But it is a bit better, but again, they need to analyze this situation and provide for the citizens. As you can see, all of us gathered here are youth," explained Martin Shafashike, a scrap collector.

They complain about the ill-treatment they receive from some of their clients, whom they say shout at and insult whenever they are stressed.

Another problem they encounter is low prices, which they feel are unfair, arguing that they collect scrap from risky places and walk long distances.

"We do not have a choice because the country is very dry. I do not know how the country got into this state because I am sure in 2015 I had a tuckshop where I made N$1800 to N$2200 per day, but now things have drastically changed. We are at the scrap yard hustling, but still, the harvest is not enough. However, we are grateful for the scrap yard and continue to increase our percentages."

Scrap collectors say they often feel cheated as they are not allowed to view the weight of their haul on a scale.