2006-12-06Staff Report 2 "By Surihe Gaomas WINDHOEK Emergency calls are just a phone call away, as the City of Windhoek and Telecom Namibia yesterday signed an agreement whereby any crime or emergency can now be reported unhindered through a toll free number. The newly launched free number that can be accessed from fixed landline phones and Telecom's latest Switch phones is (061) 302 302. Those dialling from an MTC connection have to pay a small charge fee, since it is not that company's network. Those calling from a landline do not have to make use of the 061 code but can just dial the number 302 302 directly. Only when calling from a cell phone does one need to dial the toll free number with the code. In essence, this means that Windhoek residents can now call this toll free number 24-hours a day for any emergency or police help. All public calls made for this purpose will be at the cost of Telecom Namibia, the sponsor of the number. Officially launching the City Police and emergency toll free number in the capital yesterday, Chief Executive Officer of the City of Windhoek, Niilo Taapopi, said the memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies would help boost efficient service delivery to the city's residents. "" This sponsorship, aimed at creating an improved service rendering to our clients at no cost, would certainly enable our clients to make use of this toll free number to call for emergency and police needs,"" said Taapopi. The free number will help in the fight against crime and foster stronger relations between the City Police and communities. The toll free number is also advertised on all of the 200 City Police and emergency vehicles of the City. The number, which came into effect yesterday, comes just four days before President Hifikepunye Pohamba is expected to officially commission the City Police into service this Saturday. Acting Managing Director of Telecom Namibia, Theo Klein, said the partnership with the City of Windhoek is part of his company's corporate social responsibility. ""This is indeed a good cause for society. It will be a free call for the caller and also for the City Police that will be reacting to the call,"" said Klein." 2006-12-06Staff Report 2
