Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge has appealed to government institutions to share available resources, highlighting the need for efficient use of public assets. This call comes after the handover of 13 second-hand caravans to the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Oshana region. The caravans, previously owned by the ministry of health and social services, were kept at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital before being redirected to the police.
The handover was a result of Iipinge's visit to Oshakati Intermediate Hospital in June, where he found the unused caravans and proposed they be transferred to the police. During the visit, healthcare workers expressed concerns about overcrowding, medicine shortages, ageing infrastructure, and staff accommodation. Iipinge emphasized that the transfer aims to strengthen police operations and provide additional office space for officers working under challenging conditions.
Iipinge commended the health ministry for supporting the initiative and encouraged other government offices and agencies to consider sharing resources. He stressed that existing resources should be utilized effectively before requesting additional assets. The governor's proposal follows concerns about the condition of government-owned caravans in Oshakati, with a National Assembly Standing Committee on Public Accounts report finding several government houses, including caravans, in a poor state.
The transfer of caravans is expected to provide relief to police officers who have been working from tents. Deputy Commissioner Nico Steenkamp, Head of Administration Division at Oshana Police, noted that the additional office space will enable officers to carry out their duties more effectively, including maintaining law and order, protecting lives, and safeguarding property. The caravans will provide a more suitable working environment, especially during rainy and windy weather.
Iipinge also raised concerns about the conditions under which officers were expected to work, citing wind damage at Eheke Police Station. He urged institutions to make better use of available facilities, particularly in the face of housing shortages and youth unemployment. The governor's initiative aims to promote collaboration, accountability, and efficient use of public resources in improving service delivery.
The handover of caravans is seen as a positive step towards addressing the challenges faced by police officers in the region. Iipinge encouraged police officers to remain committed to serving communities with dedication, professionalism, and integrity. He emphasized that the safety and security of the people remain essential to the social and economic development of the region.
The governor's call for resource sharing is expected to resonate with other government institutions, with the aim of optimizing the use of public assets. The initiative serves as an example of how institutions can work together to improve service delivery, particularly in the face of limited resources. By sharing resources, government institutions can reduce waste and enhance their operational capacity.
Key points
- Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge calls for government institutions to share available resources to improve service delivery.
- The handover of 13 second-hand caravans to NamPol aims to provide additional office space for officers working under challenging conditions.
- The initiative promotes collaboration, accountability, and efficient use of public resources in improving service delivery.
