DRC informal settlement gets N$24 million police station
The DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund, home to around half of the town's population and a known crime hotspot, now boasts a N$24 million police station. Built by Rössing Uranium on land donated by the Swakopmund municipality, it is the town's third police station, joining those in the CBD and Mondesa.
Believed to be the most advanced of the three, the new station includes a charge office, four offices, a records room, an armoury, a radio room, interview rooms, a staff kitchen, a cleaner's room, ablution facilities and public parking. It also features a custody area with four holding cells, a doctor’s consulting room, an identification area and cold storage. CCTV cameras monitor the premises.
In addition, the police have secured new furniture and two official vehicles worth around N$1.2 million for the station.
During the inauguration, Namibian police inspector general Joseph Shikongo urged DRC residents to support the police. "A safe community requires the active involvement of every citizen," he said, warning against harboring criminals or buying stolen goods.
Shikongo highlighted the high crime rate in DRC, where stolen items are often found in residents' homes. He emphasized the need for adequate office space to enhance police work, noting that until now, DRC residents had to rely on distant stations for police response.
“This station demonstrates our commitment to improving officers' working conditions and expanding policing services across the country," he added. "Happy employees deliver quality services."
Minister of Safety and Security Albert Kawana officiated the event, calling Rössing’s donation a "critical step" in improving the safety and well-being of the DRC community. He echoed Shikongo's call for community support, stressing the importance of reporting crimes and fostering a culture of lawfulness.
Rössing Uranium’s board chairperson, Steve Galloway, emphasised the company’s long-standing commitment to socio-economic development, noting that Rössing has invested in health, education, and infrastructure across Namibia. He stated, "It is only right and proper that profits generated by the mines should be used for the development of the Namibian people."
Galloway also mentioned that Rössing employees, like many in the community, have been victims of crime. The decision to build the police station, he said, was a direct response to community concerns and reflects Rössing's commitment to safety, positioning the station where it is most needed.
Believed to be the most advanced of the three, the new station includes a charge office, four offices, a records room, an armoury, a radio room, interview rooms, a staff kitchen, a cleaner's room, ablution facilities and public parking. It also features a custody area with four holding cells, a doctor’s consulting room, an identification area and cold storage. CCTV cameras monitor the premises.
In addition, the police have secured new furniture and two official vehicles worth around N$1.2 million for the station.
During the inauguration, Namibian police inspector general Joseph Shikongo urged DRC residents to support the police. "A safe community requires the active involvement of every citizen," he said, warning against harboring criminals or buying stolen goods.
Shikongo highlighted the high crime rate in DRC, where stolen items are often found in residents' homes. He emphasized the need for adequate office space to enhance police work, noting that until now, DRC residents had to rely on distant stations for police response.
“This station demonstrates our commitment to improving officers' working conditions and expanding policing services across the country," he added. "Happy employees deliver quality services."
Minister of Safety and Security Albert Kawana officiated the event, calling Rössing’s donation a "critical step" in improving the safety and well-being of the DRC community. He echoed Shikongo's call for community support, stressing the importance of reporting crimes and fostering a culture of lawfulness.
Rössing Uranium’s board chairperson, Steve Galloway, emphasised the company’s long-standing commitment to socio-economic development, noting that Rössing has invested in health, education, and infrastructure across Namibia. He stated, "It is only right and proper that profits generated by the mines should be used for the development of the Namibian people."
Galloway also mentioned that Rössing employees, like many in the community, have been victims of crime. The decision to build the police station, he said, was a direct response to community concerns and reflects Rössing's commitment to safety, positioning the station where it is most needed.
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