By: Peneyambeko Jonas
The economically declining sub-town of Oshikango has received another dagger as a new shopping center has been opened inland in the old town of Ohangwena, named Times Square Complex.
Residents of Helao Nafidi and surrounding communities now have closer access to some of the goods that they used to purchase in Oshikango, reducing the travel to the border segment of the town.
The Ohangwena Times Square Complex, officially inaugurated by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Saturday, has 45 shops and is intended to serve residents of Helao Nafidi, Onhuno, Omafo, Engela and 12 surrounding villages.
The complex comes as Helao Nafidi seeks to recover its position as a centre for trade following the economic slowdown caused by the global recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interviewed residents have confirmed that they usually travel to Oshikango for some of their basic needs, but with the complex bringing some new shops, they will not travel to Oshikango frequently anymore.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah said the investment should go beyond providing retail space and create opportunities for local producers.
“My call is, moving forward, I would like to see locally produced goods sold, including fresh produce,” she said.
She urged businesses operating at the complex to establish off-take agreements with local farmers, particularly for fruits and vegetables.
According to the President, this could provide farmers with reliable markets, reduce food waste and encourage increased agricultural production.
Agriculture remains Namibia’s national priority, and the President said retail developments such as the Times Square could help connect farmers to consumers and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
For Helao Nafidi, the complex also creates space for businesses that previously had limited opportunities to operate from formal commercial premises.
Mayor of Helao Nafidi, Darius Shaalukeni, said the complex is creating opportunities for young people to enter business.
“More youths took part in occupying this space for their businesses, as this brings self-employment, boosts the economy and develops entrepreneurial skills among the people of Helao Nafidi,” he said.
The complex is expected to reduce the need for some residents to travel to Oshikango and other nearby towns for shopping, potentially lowering transport costs while easing pressure on existing commercial areas.
The complex also includes a modern public park and facilities designed to accommodate people living with disabilities.
However, President Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that the economic benefits of the complex must be matched by compliance with labour laws.
She called on employers to pay workers according to the Labour Act and the national minimum wage, while ensuring safe working conditions.
She also called for dialogue between the town council, mall management and informal traders to prevent conflict as more traders seek opportunities around the facility.
Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, said the investment in the complex reflects the long-standing relationship between Chinese businesses and Namibia.
He said Chinese business people have operated in Namibia for many years and have developed close relationships with local communities.
Weiping expressed hope that they would continue contributing to the development of Ohangwena.
Ohangwena Governor, Kadiva Hamutumwa, described the project as a sign of confidence in the region and called on investors to consider opportunities beyond Windhoek and other major centres.
“Our message is clear: Ohangwena is open for business,” Hamutumwa said.
The economic value of the complex will ultimately depend on how well it connects local businesses, farmers, consumers and investors.
If local producers gain access to its shops and consumers, the development could become more than a shopping centre, it could serve as a link between rural production and formal markets.
