OMUTHIYA – Community members of Oshigambo in the Oshikoto region have reiterated calls to have a permanent police station within the surrounding to curb crime. 
The nearest police station from Oshigambo is about 60km away. 

The community had in 2011 requested to have a police station, of which nine years down the line nothing has materialised, despite having donated a piece of land. 
“We as the community have donated a piece of land since 2011 without any condition and has been fenced off since then,” the community said in a petition addressed to Oshikoto police chief, Commissioner Armas Shivute. 
“But to date, nothing has been done. Our request is to have police personnel regardless of whether they will use tents as office and accommodation. On the part of the community, we can assist them with basic needs like water, electricity and sanitation.” 

The community staged a protest in large numbers last week, in which they aired their continued frustration. 
They claimed that the absence of a police station in the area had led to high crime rates such as housebreaking and robbery, domestic violence, road accidents and formation of youth gang groups, which they described to be uncontrollable. 
As part of solutions, the community indicated that they have negotiated with the health ministry in order to turn the old clinic into a temporary police station, while the line ministry solicits the necessary funds to build a permanent structure. 
“We therefore request for a response from the police inspector general assuring us if we the community should renovate the clinic or build a temporary structure on the police land, then your office provides personnel. 
We urgently need this because we are currently attached to Onayena police station which is 60 kilometres away,” further read the petition. 

Shivute said the community’s plight is known and being considered. 
“I have forwarded the petition to the inspector general notifying him of the situation and we also await a response on the way forward,” he briefly stated. Sympathising with the community, Jerry Gwena, councillor for Oniipa constituency under which Oshigambo falls, said the community has suffered for many years without any protection. 
He said the state should look into this request as a matter of urgency as all sorts of criminal activities happen between these areas due to the lack of police presence. 
- osimasiku@nepc.com.na