Windhoek probes business compliance
The City of Windhoek (CoW) has launched an investigation into businesses suspected of operating without the required health and sanitation approvals after observations by Network Media Hub (NMH) raised concerns about commercial operations functioning without access to basic facilities such as toilets and running water.
The concerns centre on several businesses across the capital, including a vehicle dealership operating from an open site where no visible sanitation facilities or water supply could be identified.
Responding to questions from NMH on Friday, CoW spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said the municipality had not granted formal approval for vehicle sales activities at one of the locations brought to its attention.
"No formal approval has been granted by the CoW for vehicle sales operations at this location. As such, the activity is not currently authorised under any approved zoning or land-use framework for this purpose," she said.
According to Amutenya, the site has not been formally designated or approved for commercial vehicle trading, although an application seeking approval has been submitted and remains under consideration.
The revelation has raised questions about how businesses are able to operate in areas where the basic services required by workers and customers are not visibly available.
Amutenya stressed that businesses may only operate legally from approved premises and that obtaining a Certificate of Fitness is a prerequisite for conducting commercial activities.
She said the City assesses compliance with public health and sanitation requirements before issuing a Certificate of Fitness and continues to monitor compliance through statutory inspections.
Health and sanitation requirements are governed by the General Health Regulations contained in Government Notice 121 of 1969, as amended. The regulations require businesses to provide adequate sanitation facilities and access to water, among other standards.
Asked how the municipality ensures compliance in open industrial areas and roadside trading locations, Amutenya said inspections are conducted at approved business premises. However, she acknowledged that the City may not always be aware of activities taking place at unapproved locations.
"Following this inquiry, the relevant division has been alerted and will investigate the operation and assess the conditions at the site," she said.
The City said its Health and Environment Services Division would carry out a formal environmental health assessment to determine whether the operation complies with applicable regulations.
The findings will guide any recommendations or corrective measures that may be required.
Where inspections, complaints or investigations uncover non-compliance, Amutenya said business owners are first formally notified and instructed to remedy the situation within a specified period.
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action, including fines, penalties and possible legal proceedings.
The City also rejected any suggestion that it permits traders or workers to use nearby bushes or open spaces for sanitation purposes.
"Such conduct is unlawful and poses a risk to public health and environmental hygiene," Amutenya said.
She maintained that the municipality does not authorise commercial operations from premises that fail to meet minimum health, sanitation and environmental standards.
"Any commercial operation taking place within the municipal area without meeting these requirements is considered unlawful and subject to investigation and enforcement action," she said.
The investigation is expected to determine whether the businesses identified by NMH have been operating in breach of municipal regulations and whether further enforcement measures will be necessary.
