Delay in City Police ‘Ministry’s fault’

THE delay in the establishment of the Windhoek Municipal Police has been laid squarely on the Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing.

The new City Council at their first meeting on Wednesday night, said its house was in order in setting up the service and that it had already budgeted for and put in place the necessary policy guidelines for its establishment. “I assure you, from the city’s side, we are ready,” said Deputy Mayor Elaine Trepper.She said the implementation of the service was now dependent on the publication of the Conditions of the Municipal Police in the Government Gazette which in turn were subject to an amendment to the Local Authorities Act which was to be drafted and submitted to the Local Government Ministry.”The process has unfortunately not yet been exhausted, hence, has caused further delay,” she added.Trepper pleaded with Windhoek residents to be patient with the city while the process was being finalised by Government.She said the council was aware that due to the high influx of people to Windhoek and the numerous social-economic challenges they faced, crime had also been on the increase in the city.”Our quest to make the city of Windhoek crime free for all residents and tourists alike, has reached new heights,” Trepper said.A year ago, the city promised that the service would be in force by last June, and some N$35 million was budgeted for it during the 2003/04 financial year.Ratepayers also began paying for the service a year ago.Last month, the City Council discussed the appointment of the head of the Municipal Police and the deputies of the traffic service and the crime protection units behind closed doors, but is yet to announce confirmation of the appointments.”I assure you, from the city’s side, we are ready,” said Deputy Mayor Elaine Trepper.She said the implementation of the service was now dependent on the publication of the Conditions of the Municipal Police in the Government Gazette which in turn were subject to an amendment to the Local Authorities Act which was to be drafted and submitted to the Local Government Ministry.”The process has unfortunately not yet been exhausted, hence, has caused further delay,” she added.Trepper pleaded with Windhoek residents to be patient with the city while the process was being finalised by Government.She said the council was aware that due to the high influx of people to Windhoek and the numerous social-economic challenges they faced, crime had also been on the increase in the city.”Our quest to make the city of Windhoek crime free for all residents and tourists alike, has reached new heights,” Trepper said.A year ago, the city promised that the service would be in force by last June, and some N$35 million was budgeted for it during the 2003/04 financial year.Ratepayers also began paying for the service a year ago.Last month, the City Council discussed the appointment of the head of the Municipal Police and the deputies of the traffic service and the crime protection units behind closed doors, but is yet to announce confirmation of the appointments.