Bank Windhoek financed machinery worth N$7,2 million to assist the Okahandja Municipality in building and equipping a fire station for the town.
The municipality hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on 16 August for the construction of the Okahandja Fire Station and the acquisition of new machinery.
Bank Windhoek Okahandja branch manager Claus Stein said the completed fire station will be instrumental in safeguarding the community and its valued belongings.
“As we stand here today to unveil these machines, it is a sign of our commitment to service our clients, provide suitable financing options, and eventually contribute to their success,” Stein said.
According to the municipality, emergency officers attend to about 72 shack fires, four to five house fires, and 80% of road accidents annually.
Okahandja mayor Beatrice Kotungondo said the machinery would enhance service delivery for the residents of Okahandja without excuse.
She applauded Bank Windhoek and the Okahandja Municipality for the partnership, which allows the team to serve its community better.
Speaking at the same event, municipality strategic executive officer of finance, information technology and asset management Pasella Nunda explained that beyond the essential role of safeguarding Okahandja’s residents, this project is a significant investment in the local economy.
“The construction phase alone is expected to create jobs and provide valuable employment opportunities for our residents. Moreover, the station’s presence will contribute to this area’s ongoing development and revitalisation, attracting further investment and encouraging growth,” he said.
Nunda said the project is an example of combining public safety initiatives with economic development to create a thriving, resilient community by investing in infrastructure that supports safety and economic vitality.
The community is currently served through the Okahandja Town Council’s workshop, which operates as its emergency fire station
The lack of rooms at the Okahandja Town Council workshop for overnight firefighters limits the ability of emergency officers to respond effectively to extinguish veld fires, attend to house and shack fires, and respond or attend to road accidents that occur on national roads almost
daily.
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