Omuthiya: Omuthiya Constituency Councillor Erastus Nekomba led a high-profile delegation to the town's open market on Friday to support local entrepreneurs and uplift the informal sector. The initiative specifically targeted street vendors operating along the busy B1 road, where informal traders provide authentic local meals to travelers and residents alike.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nekomba stated that the gathering was more than just a communal meal; it was a deliberate economic intervention designed to increase footfall and sales volumes for small-scale businesses. "This effort seeks to foster local economic development by encouraging residents and institutions to spend within our community. It also aims to strengthen collaboration and networking among public institutions operating in the Omuthiya Constituency, while promoting community solidarity through visible institutional backing for grassroots entrepreneurs," he said.

The event saw a significant turnout from regional leadership and various government sectors. Key stakeholders in attendance included officials from the Oshikoto Regional Council and the Governor's Office, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. The Omuthiya Town Council and the Directorate of Health in Oshikoto were also represented.

Nekomba urged both public and private entities to make purchasing from market vendors a standard practice rather than a one-time event, to ensure a consistent revenue stream for the sector. Street vendor Monika Thomas expressed her gratitude at the turnout. "I was truly shocked to see such a large number of people coming together to support our businesses," she said. Thomas thanked Nekomba for spearheading the initiative and expressed optimism about its impact.