Paulina Ndalikokule
ONGWEDIVA – Police supremo Joseph Shikongo challenged those questioning how the police spent close to N$13 million on the construction of the newly inaugurated Oshiko police checkpoint.
Those who are not convinced, Shikongo said, must go to his office.
The inspector general made the remarks during the official opening of the checkpoint on Saturday in Ongwediva. He said exactly N$ 12.8 million was used in the procurement and construction of the checkpoint. Shikongo said he will provide a breakdown of how it was used, for anyone willing to know.
“On a sad note, I would like to point out that two of our officers lost their lives at this checkpoint in 2011 and 2017, respectively,” he said.
In April this year, the minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security inaugurated the widely-criticised Onhuno police checkpoint at the cost of about N$8.3 million.
Members of the public on digital platforms questioned how a facility made of corrugated iron sheets, with only shade, an office and ablution facilities for officers, could be worth millions.
The media reported that the police defended the construction of the checkpoint, saying the provisions of the Public Procurement Act were followed. Apart from the roof structures, there were volumes of earthworks, roads, paving, electrical work, office, road markings, road signs, ablution facilities and sewerage as well as a by-pass road to make up to that cost, police responded.
Shikongo said the goal is not merely to enforce the law, but to protect and serve the communities they are sworn to safeguard. However, officers stationed at this roadblock were exposed to harsh weather conditions, as they were operating from a container.
He noted that the improvements made to this checkpoint demonstrate their commitment to sustaining these values, as road traffic accidents not only result in the loss of valuable live, but also impose enormous economic and social costs on society. He said that they are committed to making working environments better for officers.
They will be constructing proper traffic checkpoints as such at all permanent checkpoints across the country.
The top cop said they already identified the next roadblock to get a proper checkpoint, which is the one between Okahandja and Windhoek.
Shikongo then urged members of the public to assist the Namibian Police in the fight against crime, and cautioned them to refrain from aiding criminals and their proceeds of crime.
“Let us work hand-in hand to ensure that the police achieve its functions.
Together, we can overcome challenges, strengthen our communities, and build a brighter future for all,” he appealed. Oshana regional commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Saakaria said the new facility has made a significant impact and improvement in their working condition, as numerous accidents occurred during daily operations due to the risky working environment in which they found themselves.
He emphasised that this has made things easier for the men and women in uniform, who work at the Oshiko roadblock.
Meanwhile, retired inspector general and now Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga advised the men and women in uniform not to be simply salary collectors, but to serve the Namibian people whenever duty called. He stated that citizens should be proud of their men and women in uniform, while police officers should respect the dignity of the people, and treat them with the utmost respect.