Police refute claims of neglecting policing needs in rural areas
The Namibian Police have dismissed claims that their priorities are misplaced in response to criticism over spending millions on projects such as police checkpoints instead of building new police stations to bring services closer to rural communities.
Namibian Sun recently reported that community members from Omboto village in the Oshikoto Region complained about having to travel approximately 118 kilometres to access the nearest police station.
“There are communities that do not have access to police services; they have to travel hundreds of kilometres for it, yet we have a government spending over N$20 million on two projects that are not that important,” said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The source referred to the recent inauguration of a new Oshiko checkpoint in Ongwediva, which cost around N$12 million and another checkpoint at Onhuno in the Ohangwena Region that was constructed at a price tag of around N$8 million.
“Those checkpoints have been there for years and they could still deliver on their mandate, but to neglect those communities with no police stations close by is just wrong.”
The resident noted that with crime being rampant, the public’s access to police stations should be a priority.
Needs addressed amid budget constraints
When contacted for comment, police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said efforts have been made to increase police visibility in communities.
“I must indicate that surely, the Namibian Police Force has significantly brought services closer to communities, countrywide,” Shikwambi said.
“Therefore, I refute the allegations that remote areas are neglected. The police prioritise capital projects and have since done a lot and continue to construct where there is a need and in accordance with budget availability," she said.
She added that constructing new stations is an expensive exercise, which is why initiatives like the Women and Men Network anti-crime forums have been introduced.
“It must also be known that the provision of policing services does not come cheap. It costs a lot of money to operate and maintain a police station or police post, and it requires funds to keep these facilities operating, such as water and electricity, telephone bills, vehicles, fuel, prisoners’ meals, maintenance of ICT systems.”
“I must also confirm that our service to the communities so far has really improved, perhaps just not at the level we want to be because of some of the challenges we are faced with," she added.
“Nevertheless, it remains our hope to bring policing services closer to all communities, perhaps that way, we will have fewer or no complaints of criminal activities.”
Shikwambi also encouraged communities to establish anti-crime forums and ensure they have the contact numbers of nearby police officers for emergencies.
Shikwambi underlined that over the past 10 years, the police have completed 146 capital projects to enhance services and policing in Namibia.
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Namibian Sun recently reported that community members from Omboto village in the Oshikoto Region complained about having to travel approximately 118 kilometres to access the nearest police station.
“There are communities that do not have access to police services; they have to travel hundreds of kilometres for it, yet we have a government spending over N$20 million on two projects that are not that important,” said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The source referred to the recent inauguration of a new Oshiko checkpoint in Ongwediva, which cost around N$12 million and another checkpoint at Onhuno in the Ohangwena Region that was constructed at a price tag of around N$8 million.
“Those checkpoints have been there for years and they could still deliver on their mandate, but to neglect those communities with no police stations close by is just wrong.”
The resident noted that with crime being rampant, the public’s access to police stations should be a priority.
Needs addressed amid budget constraints
When contacted for comment, police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said efforts have been made to increase police visibility in communities.
“I must indicate that surely, the Namibian Police Force has significantly brought services closer to communities, countrywide,” Shikwambi said.
“Therefore, I refute the allegations that remote areas are neglected. The police prioritise capital projects and have since done a lot and continue to construct where there is a need and in accordance with budget availability," she said.
She added that constructing new stations is an expensive exercise, which is why initiatives like the Women and Men Network anti-crime forums have been introduced.
“It must also be known that the provision of policing services does not come cheap. It costs a lot of money to operate and maintain a police station or police post, and it requires funds to keep these facilities operating, such as water and electricity, telephone bills, vehicles, fuel, prisoners’ meals, maintenance of ICT systems.”
“I must also confirm that our service to the communities so far has really improved, perhaps just not at the level we want to be because of some of the challenges we are faced with," she added.
“Nevertheless, it remains our hope to bring policing services closer to all communities, perhaps that way, we will have fewer or no complaints of criminal activities.”
Shikwambi also encouraged communities to establish anti-crime forums and ensure they have the contact numbers of nearby police officers for emergencies.
Shikwambi underlined that over the past 10 years, the police have completed 146 capital projects to enhance services and policing in Namibia.
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