29 Aug 2021

 Maun Administration Authority Councilors have welcomed a move by North West District Council (NWDC) to review the existing informal trading bye laws.

The councilors appreciated the development on Wednesday following an update on NWDC Draft Informal Trading Bylaw 2021 before it goes to full council.

When briefing the Councilors, NWDC Bye Law Superintendent Officer, Mr Phemelo Matome said the draft informal trading Bye law aimed at reviewing hawkers and street vending licenses.

The Council, he said recognised the importance of informal trading in income generation and poverty alleviation amongst the community.

He however said informal trading must be regulated with relevant licenses for goods and services provided.

Mr Matome said the policy would also cater for emerging businesses such as mobile kitchens and photography that was prevalent at shopping centers.

He said the policy also aimed to promote people of the North West District to fully participate in informal trading in their district as compared to people from elsewhere.

“Permits for big events in the district should promote goods and services from informal traders found in the district not for promoters to bring traders elsewhere,” he said.

Mr Matome said the council would consider a special permit termed weekend permit for traders who provided goods and services from other districts.

Further, he said the policy, would also ensure that informal traders providing goods and services with hazardous equipment adhered to health and safety procedures and provided a fitness certificate for hygiene compliance especially for food businesses.

Nominated Councilor, Mr Nico Folae supported the proposed policy. He said it was time Maun community benefited more from the economy in their district and as such should be dominating in the informal trading.

He suggested that council should form a committee or a task team to ensure implementation of the policy in collaboration with Bye Law.

Councilor for Makalamabedi, Mr Moetetsi Mogalakwe said the policy would help in addressing environmental issues emanating from some informal trading such as waste disposal.

He said council should work with the Bye Law office to empower Maun community to be proactive in informal trading.

Councilor for Boyei, Mr Ntlogelang Kebonyekgotla suggested that council should be strategic and at least have a quota to have a higher percentage of the Maun community informal trading.

Nominated Councilor, Mr Bareetsi Bogaisang also said North West District was part of the country and global world therefore NDWC Bye Law should allow  informal traders from outside the district at a fee. BOPA