Swakop rewards top traffic officer

CONSTABLE Johannes Geiseb was announced as Swakopmund’s NamPol Traffic Officer of 2008 on Wednesday.

This is Geiseb’s fifth year as a traffic officer, and his tenth year in the Police.
The criteria for the award included an officer’s productivity, professionalism, neatness, care of State property, discipline, shift punctuality, and response and prompt attendance to reports and accident scenes.
“I could not have done this without my colleagues, who all worked hard last year. I ascribe this success to their co-operation, and this year they’ll have to work harder with me so I can win again!” Geiseb told The Namibian.
Swakopmund’s Mayor, Germina Shitaleni, said Police officers’ work often did not get the recognition it deserved.
“They keep our people, our town and our region safe, and therefore they deserve something back from us,” she said.
According to the Regional Traffic Co-ordinator, Chief Inspector Tobie Gerber, there were 11 deaths on Erongo’s roads during the holiday season, compared to 12 the previous season. He said one life saved is an achievement, and that the traffic division should be commended.
“We need the community’s and motorists’ co-operation, without which we will never be able to reach a zero death rate,” he said.
The event was sponsored by the Lighthouse Group in Swakopmund. Owner Quinton Liebenberg said it is his responsibility as a businessman to “give a little something back” to the Police for the good work they have done all year.
“Businesses cannot survive without the traffic Police because without them, the roads on which customers and visitors travel won’t be safe. Namibia’s roads are very long and many come to Swakop for the holiday season. Our traffic officers make sure they get here safely,” he said.
Erongo’s Police chief, Deputy Commissioner Festus Shilongo, said the award was officially recognised by NamPol’s Inspector General, and he hopes it becomes a regional – and even a national – event.
“This award inspired my men to do their best, and encouraged them under tough conditions in their endeavour in making Erongo safe for residents and road users,” he said.
– adam@namibian.com.na