Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The construction of houses to accommodate members of the Namibian Police Force in the Khomas Region has commenced in Windhoek’s Otjomuise neighbourhood.
The national spokesperson of the police, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed this to the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday.
Without revealing how much is budgeted for the project, she said funds have been availed, and the feasibility study and documentation process of the project are completed, as is the construction of the boundary wall of the allocated land in the Otjomuise area.
“Indeed, funds were budgeted and available for the project of the police village, hence, the Namibian Police Force has embarked on the construction of a police village in Otjomuise, Khomas region,” she said.
Shimwanbi explained that the feasibility study and documentation process of the project have been completed, as well as the construction of the boundary wall of the allocated land in Otjomuise.
She explained that the next phase of the project which includes the installation of essential infrastructure such as water, electricity, sewerage, earthworks, and roads, is in its final stage and will soon be awarded to contractors.
Unlike other police barracks, where not all members are permitted to bring their family members, the new police village will accommodate all qualifying officers.
Junior officers stationed in the Khomas Region, along with their spouses and children will also be able to live in the village.
“This project will accommodate officers at all levels, including junior officers stationed in the Khomas region, and qualifying officers will be allowed to accommodate their spouses and children,” Shikwambi said.
The need for this project arose in 2020 when the former Khomas regional police commander, Joseph Shikongo, who is currently the Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, expressed concern about officers residing in shacks or among civilians.
Lieutenant General Shikongo emphasised that living in Windhoek has become increasingly expensive, and finding suitable housing should not be an additional burden for police officers.
Shikongo along with the entire police management expressed dissatisfaction with officers living unlawfully in informal settlements.
He was referring to allegations that a police officer had taken refuge in an empty block of flats owned by the government, only to be evicted the next day.
The establishment of a police village aims to address this issue, although officers should not solely rely on such accommodations.
The Inspector General stated that the top management of the police is not happy to see members living illegally in the informal settlements. Hence, the plan to build a police village
He added that members should not place all their hope in this kind of accommodation.
“We don’t want to spoil them [police officers], but they must have proper accommodation. If you want to be dependent on the police for accommodation, your growth will be limited. Therefore, members must plan for the long term. Should you resign or get fired, where will you go?’’ he said.
