Erongo’s drug unit eliminates paperwork

SINCE Independence, Nampol’s Drug Unit has been keeping all its data on paper in files stacked away in drawers and shelves.

Now they can eventually computerise all this paperwork, thanks to Namibia Breweries, which donated a computer to the unit on Wednesday. Besides tracking drug dealers in three different regions and attempting to get drugs off the streets, the seven-member unit also has to stay updated on administrative issues such as the granting of liquor licences and the opening and monitoring of shebeens in the region.According to the acting Station Commander at Swakopmund, Lieutenant Johannes Burger, the maintenance and updating of this data can become an arduous task, and frustrating too if archived material is required for reviewing.He said the computer would make the unit’s work much easier, and allow them to focus more on keeping the community free from drugs.Patricia Hoeksema of Namibia Breweries referred specifically to shebeens, and the important partners they were to the breweries.She said it was important that these businesses were responsible in their trade and observed laws and regulations.She said Nampol played an important role in regulating responsible shebeen activity in the community and therefore had to be properly equipped to do this work efficiently.Besides tracking drug dealers in three different regions and attempting to get drugs off the streets, the seven-member unit also has to stay updated on administrative issues such as the granting of liquor licences and the opening and monitoring of shebeens in the region.According to the acting Station Commander at Swakopmund, Lieutenant Johannes Burger, the maintenance and updating of this data can become an arduous task, and frustrating too if archived material is required for reviewing.He said the computer would make the unit’s work much easier, and allow them to focus more on keeping the community free from drugs.Patricia Hoeksema of Namibia Breweries referred specifically to shebeens, and the important partners they were to the breweries.She said it was important that these businesses were responsible in their trade and observed laws and regulations.She said Nampol played an important role in regulating responsible shebeen activity in the community and therefore had to be properly equipped to do this work efficiently.