Auleria Wakudumo
Police officers stationed at the Omutwewondjaba Border Post in the Ohangwena region have raised concern over the removal of the remoteness and hardship allowance commonly referred to as the bush allowance.
This, they say, is because their living conditions have not improved despite the changes.
The officers, who spoke to New Era on condition of anonymity, said they are still faced with harsh conditions at the remote border post and believe they continue to qualify for the allowance.
The stressed that they do not necessarily have a problem with government reviewing or removing the allowance but questioned why it was withdrawn while they are still exposed to difficult living conditions.
One officer revealed that they still sleep in tents, exposing them to snakes and harsh weather conditions, especially during the cold and rainy season.
“We are still camping in tents, and the conditions are not good. When it rains or gets cold, it becomes difficult. We are also exposed to snakes and other dangers,” the officer said.
They further complained that they continue to cook outside using a makeshift kitchen and do not have access to electricity at the border post.
“We use a small solar charger to charge our cellular phones,” another officer said.
The matter has since sparked debate on social media after videos and audio recordings allegedly showing the living conditions at the border post circulated online.
The discussions also revived concerns over the removal of bush allowances for other public servants deployed in remote areas, including teachers.
Last month, New Era reported on similar complaints from teachers who expressed frustration over the removal of the bush allowance despite still enduring difficult conditions in remote areas.
At the time, affected teachers argued that the removal of the allowance was unfair, as many still lacked proper accommodation, electricity, water, and other basic services.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has acknowledged the challenges faced by police officers stationed at Omutwewondjaba and other border posts across the country.
Executive director in the ministry, Nghidinua Daniel, clarified that the ministry is aware of the circulating social media videos and concerns regarding the conditions at the border post. Daniel said the ministry is fully aware of the challenges currently experienced at Omutwewondjaba Police Post and other border posts, adding that the issues are being addressed progressively as resources allow.
“The ministry has secured some funding and will continue to mobilise more to improve the physical border infrastructure and operational conditions of members deployed at border posts,” he said.
Over the past four years, the Namibian Police Force upgraded six police posts, namely Namasira, Singalamwe, Kalimbeza, Elundu, Onheleiwa and Palmwag police posts, he continued.
He added that upgrading works have also commenced at Olupale, Onaimbungu, Omboloka, Epinga and Omalapapa police posts.
According to Daniel, fencing at the identified border posts has already been completed while the replacement of tents with prefabricated structures, installation of solar power systems and drilling of boreholes are expected to commence during the current financial year.
He further stated that the ministry plans to upgrade 20 border posts and outposts over the next four years as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and living conditions for officers deployed in remote areas.
Daniel said the Omutwewondjaba Border Post, which is at the centre of the social media debate, is already scheduled for upgrading during the 2027/2028 financial year.
On the issue of the remoteness and hardship allowance, he clarified that government through the Office of the Prime Minister and on recommendation of the Public Service Commission, reviewed and approved the policy governing the allowance in the public service.
He pointed out that according to Public Service Management Circular No. 18 of 2026, the Omutwewondjaba Border Post remains part of the revised list of duty stations approved to receive the remoteness and hardship allowance.
“The ministry is therefore not only aware of the difficult conditions at some of the border posts but is actively addressing them step by step, with the necessary urgency amidst existing logistical and budgetary constraints,” Daniel stated. He added that the ministry and the Namibian Police Force remain committed to ensuring improved border infrastructure, effective policing, and better living conditions for officers stationed at remote border posts.