Police village in the pipeline
Khomas police commander, Commissioner Joseph Shikongo, says it is worrisome that police officers live in shacks or among civilians.
NAMPA
WINDHOEK
With many police officers unable to afford decent accommodation in Windhoek, the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) is looking at constructing a police village to house its members. Windhoek has simply become too expensive to live in and finding decent accommodation should be the least of a police officer's worries, according to Khomas police commander, Commissioner Joseph Shikongo.
He was responding earlier this week to allegations that a police officer had occupied an empty government flat to find refuge.
She was evicted the next day.
For Shikongo, it is worrisome that police officers live in shacks or among civilians, saying a presentation was made last week highlighting this. “A police village will be built. We are not happy to see police officers living illegally in the informal settlements,” Shikongo said.
Without providing much detail, the Khomas police commander stressed that the village's construction will not come cheaply, as considerable resources will have to be made available for the project.
'We don't want to spoil them'
The envisaged police village will house members of the police force, but should not be viewed as a permanent home, he said.
“We don't want to spoil them [police officers], but they must have proper accommodation,” he said.
The career police officer also advised that it is incumbent upon NamPol members to plan and prepare for their future.
“If you want to be dependent on the police for accommodation, your growth will be limited. Therefore, members must plan for the long-term. Should you resign or get fired, where will you go?” he asked. Contacted for comment yesterday, NamPol's head of logistics and procurement, Commissioner Andreas Nelumbu, said the project is in its formative stage and therefore it is premature to delve into the details.
“The project is at the feasibility study phase.
“The consultant is still working on the layout, possible cost and possible services. Feasibility entails a lot of details, so there is little I can tell you at this stage,” Nelumbu said.
WINDHOEK
With many police officers unable to afford decent accommodation in Windhoek, the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) is looking at constructing a police village to house its members. Windhoek has simply become too expensive to live in and finding decent accommodation should be the least of a police officer's worries, according to Khomas police commander, Commissioner Joseph Shikongo.
He was responding earlier this week to allegations that a police officer had occupied an empty government flat to find refuge.
She was evicted the next day.
For Shikongo, it is worrisome that police officers live in shacks or among civilians, saying a presentation was made last week highlighting this. “A police village will be built. We are not happy to see police officers living illegally in the informal settlements,” Shikongo said.
Without providing much detail, the Khomas police commander stressed that the village's construction will not come cheaply, as considerable resources will have to be made available for the project.
'We don't want to spoil them'
The envisaged police village will house members of the police force, but should not be viewed as a permanent home, he said.
“We don't want to spoil them [police officers], but they must have proper accommodation,” he said.
The career police officer also advised that it is incumbent upon NamPol members to plan and prepare for their future.
“If you want to be dependent on the police for accommodation, your growth will be limited. Therefore, members must plan for the long-term. Should you resign or get fired, where will you go?” he asked. Contacted for comment yesterday, NamPol's head of logistics and procurement, Commissioner Andreas Nelumbu, said the project is in its formative stage and therefore it is premature to delve into the details.
“The project is at the feasibility study phase.
“The consultant is still working on the layout, possible cost and possible services. Feasibility entails a lot of details, so there is little I can tell you at this stage,” Nelumbu said.
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