By Kaleb Nghishidivali
Oshivelo, July 24 – In an effort to address the pressing issue of inadequate housing for police personnel in Namibia, the government is exploring the construction of barracks adjacent to police stations. The soaring rental prices have made finding suitable accommodation increasingly challenging for law enforcement officers, prompting the need for a more sustainable solution.
Speaking at the inauguration of the police barracks at King Nehale police control gate in Oshikoto region on Friday, July 21, Inspector General of the Namibian police, Joseph Shikongo, expressed his concern over the housing challenges faced by police officers. He emphasized that securing suitable housing should be the least of their worries and asserted that the current rental costs were simply unaffordable for many.
The newly constructed barracks, funded by the government at a cost of N$3.8 million, comprise six sleeping rooms, a common kitchen, a courtyard with hanging lines, an ablution facility, a 10,000-liter water tank, and septic tanks. Shikongo believes that providing these accommodations will significantly improve police service not only in King Nehale but also in the broader Oshikoto Region.
During the inauguration, Shikongo assured his colleagues that he would revisit the facility within a year to assess its maintenance and functionality. In adherence to the police administrative manual’s chapter 6 on managing barracks and lodging, he urged the station commander and the regional commander to thoroughly investigate the facility’s condition, warning that periodic inspections would be carried out.
Commending the government’s initiative, Commissioner Teopolina Kalompo-Nashikaku, the regional police commander for Oshikoto, highlighted that the provision of the new barracks marked a significant achievement for the region, especially when compared to other areas where housing shortages persisted. She expressed gratitude on behalf of the officers deployed at King Nehale, stating, “We really appreciate this improvement in our living conditions.”
The newly constructed facility will initially accommodate six police officers, relieving them from the burden of long commutes. However, Nashikaku acknowledged that with only six spaces available, housing shortages might still persist if the number of officers at the station increases in the future. Additionally, she noted that the current structure only accommodated one gender, potentially posing further challenges in the long term.
While the new barracks represent a positive step forward, more comprehensive measures may be necessary to address the broader issue of affordable housing for police personnel throughout Namibia. As the government focuses on enhancing the living conditions of its law enforcement officers, it will be crucial to ensure sustainable solutions that accommodate the future growth of the police force. ~Namibia Daily News
