Shikongo promises better accommodation for border officers

Shikongo promises better accommodation for border officers

ONHELEIWA – Inspector General Joseph Shikongo has assured police officers stationed at Namibia’s borders that their living conditions will soon improve.

Speaking during the inauguration of Onheleiwa Police Station in Okalongo constituency, Shikongo pledged to provide more suitable accommodation for officers currently living in squalid conditions in tents.

Police officers stationed at the Namibia-Angola border in Oshikango, Ohangwena region, are living in deplorable conditions as they are forced to sleep in tents without access to basic amenities such as toilets, showers or even kitchens.

The officers allegedly have no choice but to relieve themselves in the bushes and cook outdoors, exposing them to various risks. During the harsh winter months, the lack of proper heating in their tents poses a threat to their well-being and hampers their ability to carry out their duties effectively.

In 2023, five police officers and a park ranger were hospitalised after a lightning bolt struck their camp in the Bwabwata National Park.

Shikongo acknowledged the challenges faced by officers stationed in remote border areas, emphasising the importance of their role in ensuring national security.

“Our officers are at the forefront of protecting our borders, often in difficult conditions. We are committed to improving their living standards by providing conducive accommodation to support their critical work,” he said.

Shikongo noted that the initiative is part of broader efforts by the Namibian Police Force to enhance the welfare of its officers.

 He also expressed gratitude to officers for their dedication and perseverance despite the challenges.

“The newly inaugurated Onheleiwa Police Station is expected to strengthen law enforcement operations in the region, addressing cross-border crime and improving response times to incidents in surrounding communities,” Shikongo explained.

The station has a charge office, prefabricated barracks with 14 rooms for male officers and 12 rooms for female officers, a two-bedroom house, a kitchen and dining hall, and a water tower with a 10 000-litre tank.

The facility was constructed at a cost of about N$7,5 million, inclusive of office furniture. It is also equipped with a septic tank, electricity and water connections, a security fence, and a steel container for exhibit storage.

Construction began on 21 February 2024 and was completed on 23 August 2024.

Omusati Regional Police Commissioner Ismael Basson has directed officers to assist all residents at any police station, regardless of their area of origin.

“The police service should be accessible to everyone. Officers must prioritise fairness and equal treatment to ensure that community members receive timely help, even if they approach stations outside their designated jurisdiction,” said Basson.

The move has been welcomed by residents, who see it as a step towards improved access to justice and more efficient policing in the region.

vkaapanda@nepc.com.na