By Lylie Happiness
TSUMEB, August 05 – The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Erastus Uutoni, marked a significant milestone on August 4, 2023, as he inaugurated the Fruit and Veg Hub in Tsumeb. This new establishment aims to support local vendors who have been a consistent presence on Hage Geingob street for several years.
The Fruit and Veg Hub is the fruit of a partnership initiated back in 2019 between the Tsumeb Municipality and Dundee Precious Metals. This collaboration aimed to create a secure and affordable space for vendors, addressing concerns about their future livelihoods and curbing the rise of unlicensed business activities in the town.
With a capacity to accommodate around 105 vendors, the hub boasts an array of offerings including fruits and vegetable stalls, Kapana stalls, SME Units, Bulk stalls, an ablution facility, and ample parking.
During the inauguration, Minister Uutoni emphasized the role of both central and local government in formulating policies and programs that uplift citizens’ lives, especially at the grassroots level. He highlighted the importance of public spaces, exemplified by markets, in fostering a sense of community and contributing to economic growth.
“Markets bring together community members, local business leaders, and visitors, playing a crucial role in shaping our towns and driving economic development,” stated Uutoni. He underscored the significance of markets in job creation, income generation, and revenue mobilization, labeling them as essential engines powering local economic growth and physical development.
Uutoni urged the responsible maintenance of the newly established infrastructure by those entrusted with its care, and he called upon Tsumeb residents to diligently honor their municipal responsibilities. By doing so, the council can reinvest in the town’s development, particularly in underdeveloped and informal areas, he added.- Namibia Daily News
