By Lylie Happiness
Oshakati, Aug. 3 — The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) has condemned the propositions by the City of Windhoek to shut down home shops, saying such an act will result in worsening unemployment.
Vice-president of NALOBA Peter Amadhila said the proposal by City Windhoek to stop commercial activities in residential areas will leave hundreds of people jobless and without an income.
This comes after the City of Windhoek said a new municipal policy to phase out commercial activities such as the operation of home shops at residential properties in Windhoek will come into effect.
Amadhila said the decision had sent shock waves throughout the country, especially in Windhoek.
He said registered or unregistered home shops are primary sources of income for many people in the City of Windhoek and resulted in many employment opportunities as a result of micro-enterprises.
“Many doctors, engineers, teachers and other professionals were moulded with the financial support from home shops,” he said.
He said failure to establish vending or commercial outlets in all residence areas had resulted in many residents converting their garages and other structures into home shops.
Amadhila indicated that many of the home shop owners are members of NALOBA and others are aspiring members, thus NALOBA will fight to protect the interests of every business person.
He said the municipality can only close home shops if they create an alternative user-friendly business environment for the people.
