MPs want more resources allocated to Police

POLICE officers in the Hardap Region have to conduct their work on foot because of a shortage of vehicles and fuel, Swapo MP Barkias Namwandi told the National Council yesterday.

“I think this problem is not only in my region but is being experienced in other regions too,” said the bearded Namwandi, whose NC colleagues have nicknamed ‘Fidel Castro’. Another Swapo MP, Karas Regional Councillor Hilma Nicanor said in her region, which has a population of 69 329 people and covers an area of 161 215km, there are only 342 Police officers.Namwandi said sometimes a Police car would be available, but there would be no money to fill its fuel tank.This, he said, has led to an increase of crimes such as car theft, armed robbery and housebreaking.The same concern was raised last year by Safety and Security Minister Peter Tsheehama, who told the National Assembly that the Police were unable to their work efficiently because of a lack of money.Namwandi said poor accommodation and low salaries were also affecting the Police.However, Namwandi said he had noted that some Police officers were misusing vehicles and telephones and strict measures were needed to curb this.Unhygienic conditions in Police cells and prisons also needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency, he said.Namwandi was speaking during debate on the N$784 million allocated to the Namibian Police in the 2006-07 National Budget.He said the amount was not enough to address the problems the Police are facing.Swapo’s Arma Martin, the councillor for the Oshakati-West constituency, said the Police should be equipped with 4×4 bakkies fitted with canopies.Martin said Police and traffic officers in the Oshana Region needed more vehicles, equipment and uniforms.According to Martin, some officers were working in civilian clothes because of a shortage of Police uniforms.Ruth Nhinda (Swapo) wants to see more Police sub-stations established in the vast Ohangwena Region.She suggested that sub-stations should be build at Epembe, Ohaukelo, Oshaango, Odundja, Omafa and Onambutu.She said many crimes went unreported because people had to walk up to 80 kilometres to the nearest Police station.Henock Kankoshi (Swapo) said a lack of radio equipment at Police stations in the Oshikoto region was hampering Police operations.Kankoshi called on the Government to increase Police salaries to attract and retain qualified personnel.He also wants to see the mortuary at the Okatope Police station expanded, as it is the only mortuary on the road between Tsumeb and Ondangwa, where many car accidents happen.Another Swapo MP, Karas Regional Councillor Hilma Nicanor said in her region, which has a population of 69 329 people and covers an area of 161 215km, there are only 342 Police officers.Namwandi said sometimes a Police car would be available, but there would be no money to fill its fuel tank.This, he said, has led to an increase of crimes such as car theft, armed robbery and housebreaking.The same concern was raised last year by Safety and Security Minister Peter Tsheehama, who told the National Assembly that the Police were unable to their work efficiently because of a lack of money.Namwandi said poor accommodation and low salaries were also affecting the Police.However, Namwandi said he had noted that some Police officers were misusing vehicles and telephones and strict measures were needed to curb this.Unhygienic conditions in Police cells and prisons also needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency, he said.Namwandi was speaking during debate on the N$784 million allocated to the Namibian Police in the 2006-07 National Budget.He said the amount was not enough to address the problems the Police are facing.Swapo’s Arma Martin, the councillor for the Oshakati-West constituency, said the Police should be equipped with 4×4 bakkies fitted with canopies.Martin said Police and traffic officers in the Oshana Region needed more vehicles, equipment and uniforms.According to Martin, some officers were working in civilian clothes because of a shortage of Police uniforms.Ruth Nhinda (Swapo) wants to see more Police sub-stations established in the vast Ohangwena Region.She suggested that sub-stations should be build at Epembe, Ohaukelo, Oshaango, Odundja, Omafa and Onambutu.She said many crimes went unreported because people had to walk up to 80 kilometres to the nearest Police station.Henock Kankoshi (Swapo) said a lack of radio equipment at Police stations in the Oshikoto region was hampering Police operations.Kankoshi called on the Government to increase Police salaries to attract and retain qualified personnel.He also wants to see the mortuary at the Okatope Police station expanded, as it is the only mortuary on the road between Tsumeb and Ondangwa, where many car accidents happen.