Stefanus Nashama
A donation valued at N$22.4 million to NamPol has sparked criticism, with concerns raised over government spending priorities amid pressing social and economic challenges.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Works and Transport donated six vehicles—including four double-cab pickups, and two minibuses—and twenty metal detectors to the police’s Explosives Control Division (ECD).
The vehicles and equipment are intended to enhance the police’s capacity to address the threat of unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war, especially in remote and hazardous locations.
While the police publicly welcomed the donation, critics argue that government funds should be directed toward more urgent needs.
Social activist, Michael Amushelelo questioned the rationale behind the donation, highlighting broader concerns about government spending.
“We have our priorities wrong in this country. The Namibian Police receive an annual budget. The Ministry of Works and Transport has its budget, and yet we are seeing this donation while basic needs are being neglected,” he said.
Amushelelo also criticized the ministry for failing to maintain its own fleet, noting that many government vehicles remain out of service due to mechanical failures.
“The very same ministry that has so many vehicles that are not working because they don’t either have money to fix those cars or there is no budget,” he said.
Political analyst Sakaria Johannes aired similar concerns, questioning whether the donation was justified.
While acknowledging that collaboration between ministries could be beneficial, he expressed doubts about whether this particular contribution was necessary.
“Does the donation mean the Ministry of Works and Transport has received enough budget to be able to donate vehicles? Or is it simply a matter of redirecting funds that could be better used elsewhere?” he asked.
Johannes also pointed to Namibia’s ongoing struggles with high youth unemployment, poverty, and gaps in essential public services such as healthcare and education.
He stressed that these issues should take priority over enhancing police equipment.
“With the current state of our roads, which are a danger to our citizens, why is the ministry not investing more in repairing and upgrading infrastructure? Why are we focusing on the police when there are so many other critical areas that need attention?” he questioned.
Despite the criticism, Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Joseph Shikongo, defended the donation, emphasising its importance in improving police operations.
“These vehicles will provide crucial mobility support, enabling our teams to access remote and challenging terrains where unexploded ordnance and explosives remnants of war may be located,” Shikongo stated.
He also commended the Ministry of Works and Transport for its cooperation in enhancing national security.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Ministry of Works and Transport were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
