Nicanor wants Keetmanshoop fire station named after fire victims

KEETMANSHOOP, 19 APR  – Keetmanshoop Urban Constituency Councillor Hilma Nicanor has proposed that the new fire station at the town be named after victims who lost their lives in fires in the past.
The councillor proposed this at the inauguration ceremony of the new fire station here on Thursday.
Nicanor said the Keetmanshoop Municipality must consider naming the station after those who were victims of fire.
“Keetmanshoop residents, especially those living in informal settlements, have been victims of fire incidents that destroyed their houses and at times, regrettably, led to loss of lives, so I propose to the municipality to name this fire station after those who lost their lives,” she said.
She spoke of an incident 10 years ago when a woman lost four of her children in a fire at the southern capital.
“October 2008 was a dark period as a mother lost her four children. I am not saying we must name the fire station after that family, but we have a lot of other fire incidents where people lost lives, let us name the fire station after them and remember them from this fire station.”
Nicanor further urged the municipality to consider naming streets, as this will allow firefighters to know where fires are exactly and they will then respond faster and safe lives.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Derek Klazen said the high prevalence of fires in the country, especially in informal settlements, has resulted in damage to property and in some cases, tragic losses of life.
“A loss of a life of a fellow Namibian is not only a loss to immediate family, but to the entire country. That is why the government, through my ministry, has assisted the municipality to construct this fire station,” he said.
Klazen said he hopes the fire station will go a long way in helping the municipality respond to fires within the town of Keetmans. The new fire station is located between the Krönlein and Tseiblaagte residential areas and cost N.dollars 4 million.

NAMPA