SWAKOPMUND – The Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC), a township in Swakopmund, which is home to over 40 000 residents, has long faced challenges with criminal activities, leaving residents in constant fear for years. 

However, thanks to a generous donation from Rössing Uranium, the community now has access to police services, after the mining company constructed a police station.

Rössing constructed a state-of-the-art police station to the tune of N$23 million. The station, which was inaugurated on Thursday, was constructed within five months. A total of 22 officers have been assigned to the new station.

The facility boasts four holding cells, each with an exercise courtyard, an interrogation room, a doctor’s consultation room, a visitors’ room, an armoury room, a records and archives room, an evidence room, four offices, a boardroom, ablution facilities, a secure passage for inmate drop-offs, dining area, a pantry, a laundry room, staff kitchen and a server/radio room. Safety and security minister Albert Kawana applauded the mine for their generous donation while acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by residents due to the lack of a local police station.

Kawana said the station would significantly improve police response times, bringing law-enforcement services closer to the community and enhancing public safety. Police supremo Joseph Shikongo on the day also expressed gratitude towards Rössing Uranium, saying the station is more than just bricks and mortar.

“It is a testament to the commitment of the Namibian government, the ministry of home affairs and key stakeholders, including Rössing Uranium whose financial contribution made the facility possible,” he said.

Rossing Uranium’s board chairperson, Steve Galloway, pointed out that they opted to construct the police station to keep the community as well as their employees safe.

“Many people in the community lived in constant fear, not knowing whether they would wake up to a safe tomorrow. 

Many of our employees had been victims while on their way to work or returning home,” he said.

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na