Allexer Namundjembo
Home Affairs Minister Albert Kawana has expressed concern over the increasing cases of gender-based violence in the country.
Kawana made this statement at the inauguration of the Elundu Police Post, held yesterday in the Omundaungilo Constituency of the Ohangwena Region.
He noted that official national statistics, particularly those on gender-based violence reported to the Namibian Police Force, indicate that crimes committed against women and children are rising, with the Ohangwena region being one of the areas with the highest reported cases.
“It is, therefore my submission that a holistic approach is required from all stakeholders to address this phenomenon. I call upon traditional and church leaders, as well as the community at large, to support the Namibian Police Force in its quest to combat crime,” Kawana urged.
According to Kawana, the N$7.7 million facility symbolises more than just a physical structure, as it serves as a symbol of hope, a beacon of security, and a pillar of support for the residents of Omundaungilo Constituency.
“It will serve as a place where the community can turn for assistance, where justice will be upheld, and where the values of our nation—peace, unity, stability, and solidarity—will be reinforced. I call upon the people of Omundaungilo to join hands with the Namibian Police Force in the fight against crime and to foster a culture of lawfulness and mutual respect,” Kawana added.
Omundaungilo Constituency Councillor Festus Ikanda described the opening of this police post as a life changer. He said it would help the public easily access police services, which had previously been a barrier due to the inadequacies of the former facility.
“The police will now be able to attend to the public’s complaints. In the past, police service was insufficient, and I am sure there will be an improvement,” he said.
He went on to say that drilling a borehole at the post will also benefit the public, and the police will be ready to help the community when they need water.
The police post includes the construction of prefabricated structures comprising two barracks, with ten rooms for males and six for females; a charge office; a recreational area, a kitchen, a dining hall, a security fence. one borehole equipped with a solar-powered pump, a water stand, a 10 000-litre water tank; and one septic tank.
