A new hub market will open soon in Oranjemund to allow Munders to trade their goods and their flaws

Oranjemund, the isolated mining town in Namibia's diamond district, is about to move quickly from the protected and isolated state to a normal civilian settlement. On 1 February this year, it will hold its first night market in the newly built central market premises, followed by the official opening of the facility a week later on 8 February.

On 21 October 2018, the city marked its first anniversary as an open city accessible to all Namibians and visitors. Previously, it was the property of Namdeb, fully managed and controlled by the mining subsidiary of De Beers. Access was restricted and visits could only take place with special permission.

Helping the Oranjemund to integrate with the rest of Namibian society is a working group working under the name of MDG 2030. This group of people consists mainly of Munders volunteers who are tasked with transforming their city into an independent community. and autonomous with a functional local economy. mainly on tourism. In its previous history, the entire economy of Oranjemund was based solely on diamond mining.

As part of its strategy and to support its operations, MDG 2030 has built the so-called WCO hub, consisting of offices, a tourism office and the new hub market, designed by Helena Panda, MDG volunteer 2030, and assisted by Debbie Virting to manage the project. The market is under construction thanks to funding from the US Embassy in Windhoek.

At the end of last year, US Ambassador, HE Lisa Johnson, went to Oranjemund to see the site where the proposed Hub Market was to be built at the same time. time.

"The Hub Market will be a community space where local vendors will be able to sell their handicrafts and freshly made products daily to locals and visitors alike. Three VIP booths and seven smaller booths can be booked for a small daily fee covering basic maintenance, maintenance of facilities and use of electricity or water, said the MDG 2030 group in its new quarterly newsletter, The i.

"Parents can get their children to enjoy the" Kids Zone "while they relax, meet friends and enjoy the local produce on offer. The Waterwise Garden and the beautifully designed benches provide the perfect backdrop for relaxing, relaxing or catching up on the latest gossip. Braai's facilities and a common household will also be available for rent to create the perfect atmosphere for informal parties, "said MDG 2030, adding that they expected the Hub Market to become a focal point for future business activities. community.

The Hub Market will still be decorated this month with a contest to allow Munders to paint his own designs as wall paintings on the walls of the market.