The business community is requesting Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) to extend its Annual Duty Penalty Waiver Programme, which ended today.

Long queues could be observed at Windhoek's Grove and Maerua Malls as business owners hurry to have their penalties waived.

The process began in January, and business owners are complaining about the slow service at both locations.

Registered business owners are required to pay an annual fee of N$120, and failure to pay results in penalties.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it will debar contractors who fail to deliver projects and will implement penalties for late delivery.

Its Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, said this when he presented a report on the ministry's activities at health facilities in Windhoek.

"Contractors who fail us in the implementation of the projects are going to recommend to the policy unit that they are barred from participating in the awarding of new projects. We are also going to enforce the levying of penalties."