Fikameni Mathias 

The construction of a police station at the  DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund is rapidly gaining shape, with 46% of the work done and forecast to be completed in January 2025.

The project, which is solely funded by mining giant Rössing Uranium to the tune of more than N$20 million, was launched in July 2024 with the ground clearing and construction starting thereafter, and almost three months later, the station has rapidly taken shape. 

The surrounding community members are in anticipation of the day the station opens its doors to service the fast-growing DRC population.

Located on Erf 8443, Extension 31 in the populous informal settlement, the police station is being built on land donated by the Swakopmund Municipality.

The police station will consist of four holding cells each with an exercise courtyard, an interrogation room, a doctor’s consultation room, a visitors’ room, an armoury, a records and archives room, an evidence room, four offices, including the station commander’s office and boardroom, ablution facilities, secure passage for inmate dropoffs, a dining area, a pantry, a laundry room, a staff kitchen, and a server/radio room. 

The project has thus far employed about 100 people to deliver a state-of-the-art facility, with zero incidents relating to safety reported in the last three months.

Rössing’s manager for corporate communication, Daylight Ekandjo said, the construction of the station is within the working scope and timelines. The station’s sub-structure has been completed, with the main structure currently standing at 70% by the second week of October. 

“The team on site has started the construction of the reinforced concrete roofs to allow the final work to commence and finally deliver the station to the community that has for long yearned for police services in the area,” said Ekandjo.

Erongo police commander Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona applauded Rössing for the fast-paced project.

“I commend Rössing Uranium for the work on the ground. We are excited, and the community members themselves cannot wait for the police station to open. From our management, we are ready to deploy competent men and women in uniform to take up responsibilities at the station and ensure the safety of the community while providing much-needed services to our population,” he noted. 

The commissioner is confident that, with due consultation, the new station would comply with the safety protocols, learning from similar projects. 

Meanwhile, Swakopmund Municipality CEO Archie Benjamin highlighted that with the expansion of the coastal town, the station would bolster the safety of the town’s residents, particularly those in the informal area. 

“Council is very excited about this project as it complements the municipality’s capital projects, especially those aligned to providing affordable housing for the people of Swakopmund. We appreciate Rössing and Nampol for this project that will most certainly assist with improving safety in our town,” he said. 

This is one of many capital investments Rössing Uranium has invested within the Erongo region, fully cementing the mine’s corporate citizenship status.  

*Fikameni Mathias is a corporate communications advisor at Rössing Uranium.