2015-03-18Staff Report 2 KEETMANSHOOP - The Deputy Minister of Safety and Security, Erastus Uutoni, on Monday inaugurated the police barracks at Keetmanshoop. The barracks, which comprise of 20 accommodation units, a kitchen, carport, laundry, recreational area, a 30 000-litre fuel storage tank and pumps, cost N$9.5 million. At the ceremony Uutoni said the building of such facilities is an indication of the government’s commitment to uplift the living conditions of the armed forces and also serves as a “motivation tool” to the men and women in uniform. He said Namibia is a peaceful country and the police are the pillars of this peace, and urged members of the force to maintain the principle for national development. “Domestic and regional peace and security are crucial conditions for our country’s socio-economic development,” stated the deputy minister. Uutoni then took a moment to thank members of the Namibian Police Force for their patience amidst sometimes difficult living conditions and an often stressful work environment. “Your dedication to protect the properties and lives of our citizens and visitors alike is a great testimony and the Namibian nation is very proud of you,” he commended them. He also praised the contractor, Puma Construction CC, for its timely completion of the facility and cautioned other contractors working on any other Namibian police capital project to strictly adhere to the tender terms and conditions as stipulated in contracts. Disturbed by the high occurrence of crimes such as domestic violence, gender-based violence (GBV), house breaking and substance abuse in the region, Uutoni appealed to community members to assist the police in order to guard against substance and alcohol abuse that might lead to crimes such as GBV. The Deputy Inspector General for Operations, Major General James Tjivikua, in his statement at the same event echoed Uutoni by saying that investment in such facilities is a clear testimony of government’s efforts to improve the livelihood of members of the force who are currently living and operating from dilapidated police barracks. It was therefore expected of all police officers to safeguard all government assets at their disposal, adding that now that they will not be paying any rent they should use their money for good purposes. “I would urge you to refrain from unwanted activities such as gambling and abuse of alcohol,” he advised. The inauguration was also graced by Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Hilma Nikanor, town mayors and traditional leaders of the //Kharas Region. 2015-03-18Staff Report 2
