Tasked with protecting the lives and properties of over 164 000 inhabitants from seven massive constituencies, the Otjozondjupa police fleet is on the verge of collapse as the regional force is now operating with less than 40% of the required vehicles.
This was shared by Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua during his state of the region address (Sora) yesterday, which extensively covered various developmental activities and challenges the region faced during the 2022/23 period.
The governor said more than 15 police vehicles were decommissioned as a result of accidents and mechanical problems during the period under review, which further compounded matters as 60% of the police fleet was already grounded due to the same reasons.
“The Mangetti Dune, Okakarara, Rooidag, Osire, Hochfeld, Kalkfeld, Kombat police stations and Otjiwarongo Crime Investigation Unit are all without vehicles as we speak. Transport at these stations is being sourced from nearby stations to assist in cases of emergency,” shared Uerikua.
He also highlighted the issue of shortage of housing for men and women in uniform in the region and called on local authorities to make land available for the construction of houses. He also touched on the need for a police pathology unit for the region, as there is a growing need for one.
Uerikua, however, assured that efforts are being made on various fronts to address the issues and ensure that law and order in the region is not compromised.
“The police infrastructure projects within the region include the construction of the Nyae-Nyae police post and barracks in Tsumkwe constituency in the Gam area, being constructed at an amount of N$43.9 million. Other ongoing projects for the police include the construction of Gam and Omatako police stations at a total cost of N$59 million. The construction of a police regional headquarters and a police mortuary at Otjiwarongo are part of future projects for our regional police.”
Summonses
Despite working under trying circumstances, the governor applauded the regional force for ensuring that road safety and traffic laws are upheld at all times. During the period under review, the Otjozondjupa police issued a total of 5 811 summons, which amounted to N$6.2 million.
The summonses include the total number of people arrested on drinking and driving charges, which were 1 420, while 139 warrants of arrest worth an amount of N$162 107 were issued. The police recorded 14 road accident fatalities during the same period.
“Road accidents in our region have been one of the biggest challenges, especially along the B1 road between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo, Otjiwarongo and Otavi. The region has since established a Road Safety Regional Forum aimed at coordinating road safety efforts and programmes within the sector to save lives and coordinate resource usage,” he stated.
“I am happy to inform you that we have seen a tremendous decrease in road accidents in key hotspots of our region. The last festive season recorded fewer road accidents than usual in our region due to efforts of the forum. However, incidents of traffic offences are still rampant, with the main causes being speeding and failure to respect road traffic rules.”
- ohembapu@nepc.com.na