Klein Windhoek police station ‘not fit for purpose’
Concerns have been raised in the National Assembly on Thursday over the condition and suitability of the Klein Windhoek police station, with questions being directed to the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security about plans to provide the community with a proper police facility.
Thomas Festus Chief Whip for the Body of Christ Party (BCP) said the police station is currently accommodated in a very small converted house, which he described as “extremely squished and inadequate”. The station serves a large community, including Klein Windhoek, Ludwig, Avis and surrounding areas. According to the Festus, the current facility does not have sufficient parking space for members of the public or police vehicles. There is also inadequate space for holding self-charged cases and for dealing with cases reported by community members.
He further said the general working environment for police officers was not conducive to effective service delivery.
Questions have therefore been raised about whether the ministry is aware that the Klein Windhoek police station is operating from a small residential house that is not fit for purpose as a police station. Festus also questioned why the ministry has not yet secured suitable land in the Klein Windhoek or Ludwig areas for the construction of a proper police station with adequate parking and facilities.
A further question seeks clarity on the ministry’s immediate and medium-term plans and budget to acquire land and construct a new police station in Klein Windhoek. The proposed new facility is intended to improve safety and service delivery to the community. The questions place the adequacy of police infrastructure in the area before the ministry, particularly given the station’s role in serving residents across Klein Windhoek, Ludwig, Avis and surrounding communities.
