Justice minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel has condemned the unhygienic state of the Eenhana Magistrate’s Court and nearby police holding cells.
Mincing no words, he branded the situation a failure of public service.
He warned that such conditions will no longer be tolerated.
Immanuel made a surprise visit to the court and holding cells this week, where he was met by broken infrastructure, unhygienic conditions and overcrowding.
“The status quo of the Eenhana Magistrate’s Court demonstrates not only the lack of urgency from some public servants entrusted with the privilege of serving our citizenry but also a bankruptcy of patriotism on the part of some citizens honoured to be in air-conditioned offices and salaried by the State,” he said.
Immanuel added that his ministry is not just reacting to the current crisis but working on long-term solutions.
These include planned amendments to the Public Service Act aimed at promoting high performance and strengthening accountability.
“We are proactively giving notice to anyone, regardless of religion, race or political affiliation, to pull up or else honourably excuse him or herself before we arrive. Being a public servant is a distinctive honour and not a right,” he said.
Urgent fixes
During his visit, the minister ordered that staff be temporarily allowed to use the court toilets that were previously locked.
He pushed for the immediate appointment of a contractor to repair the facilities.
“As you may know, the government buildings fall under the care of the Ministry of Works and Transport. The situation in Eenhana has been brought to the attention of the Minister of Works and Transport. Given his vibrancy and competency, he will use the Eenhana situation as a case study in devising a sustainable solution,” Immanuel said.
The minister also raised concerns about the holding cells, which were found to be both overcrowded and dirty, putting detainees at serious health risk and violating their rights.
“In cognisance of the fact that the overcrowding and untidiness are not only a health issue but equally a human rights concern, I have requested the NamPol regional leadership to provide a comprehensive report on the regional status of prisons and holdings,” Immanuel said.
He added that the report will guide a joint intervention involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, Safety and Security, the Attorney General, NamPol and the Judiciary.
“These institutions must work together to find a mutually agreed-upon solution,” he said.
The minister promises that the eighth administration plans to crack down on poor service delivery, especially in rural areas like Ohangwena.