Chief executive officer (CEO) of the City of Windhoek (CoW), Robert Kahimise said local authorities, especially the City of Windhoek, have been hard hit by COVID-19. Among others, the council’s cash flow has been compromised and the municipality has, therefore, decided to open cash halls for three days, especially for water tokens. Kahimise highlighted that the previously blocked prepaid services for non-payment have been unblocked, the municipality has dispatched water tanks and standpipe water, is for free for those in the informal markets. He, however, called on the middle-income residents to honour their obligations and make payments. He also noted that the municipality is considering waiving fees of informal market vendors. Abraham Kanime said the City Police had to change from the traditional approach to community policing, to educate and create awareness. He said this is to let the community understand the nature of the virus and the measures put in place to curb the spread. Kanime emphasised that the community needs to understand “there is nothing difficult to a police officer to police a hungry community”. He also highlighted the challenges the City Police faced in regard to taxi drivers’ compliance with measures implemented. The City Police chief said his force are in consultation with the Health Ministry to convey daily updates. Seventeen radio stations and 10 vehicles with speakers have been identified to spread COVID-19 messages. Fillemon Hambuda, CoW’s Economic Development and Community Services strategic executive said vendors are being trained on the COVID-19 health measures and issued with cards. “No vendors will be allowed to trade at hospitals,” he said. Hambuda said there are 18 informal markets and “only food traders will be allowed to sell their stuff.” The trio gave an update on the impact of the pandemic on local authorities at the COVID-19 Communication Centre today.