2 July 2024                                   

It is a great honour and privilege to stand before you on this momentous occasion of the official groundbreaking ceremony for DRC Police Station. 

This significant project, generously funded by Rössing Uranium, marks a critical step in enhancing the safety, security, and overall well-being of our community.

 Before I proceed further, I would like to recognise the honourable governor and all the distinguished invited guests for having found time out of your busy schedule to celebrate this outstanding milestone with us.

As the minister of home affairs,iImmigration, safety and security, I am deeply aware of the challenges we face in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and fostering a sense of security among our citizens. Today, we take a bold step forward in addressing some of these challenges by laying the foundation for a state-of-the-art police station here at DRC settlement.

To the leadership of Rössing Uranium, your unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and your dedication to the betterment of our society are truly commendable. By donating the funds necessary for the

construction of this police station, you have not only demonstrated your faith in our community’s potential, but you have also set a shining example for other corporate entities to follow. Your contribution will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of our citizens here at DRC.

To the community of DRC settlement, this police station represents more than just a building; it symbolises hope, security, and progress. It will serve as a beacon of safety, a place where justice is upheld, and where the rule of law is respected. It will provide our dedicated police officers with the necessary resources and facilities to perform their duties effectively, thereby ensuring that our community remains a safe place for all.

The presence of a well-equipped police station will significantly enhance our capacity to respond to emergencies, prevent crime, and maintain law and order. It will also foster a stronger sense of security, encouraging economic growth and social cohesion. As a community, we must work hand in hand with our law enforcement officers, supporting them in their mission to protect and serve the community of DRC.

To our police officers, your dedication and commitment to upholding the law and protecting our citizens is the cornerstone of a safe and secure society. This new facility will provide you with a conducive environment and tools you need to carry out your duties with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. We recognise your sacrifices and commend your unwavering dedication to serving our nation.

As we break ground today, let us be reminded that this is just the beginning. The construction of this police station is a testament to what can be achieved when government, corporate entities, and communities come together with a shared vision. It is a clear indication that we can overcome any challenge and build a brighter future for all.

I am pleased to inform you that DRC Police Station, which is going to be built here, will include a charge office, police holding cells, ablution facilities and other office space.

As already pointed out, the construction of this project is funded by Rössing Uranium. Allow me also to commend the Municipality of Swakopmund which donated the land where the police station will be built.

Therefore, allow me to express our sincere gratitude for the continued outstanding commitment and cooperation displayed by the business community of our country in bringing services closer to the people. Special gratitude goes to the management of Rössing Uranium for their continuous donation to the government of Namibia. This dream could not be realised without your commitment to corporate social responsibility.

In the same vein, I would like to appeal to all the residents of DRC settlement not to harbour criminals, even though they may be your family members or friends. Instead, discourage them from committing criminal activities and other social ills, so that they may be part of the law-abiding citizens of our beautiful Republic. 

Therefore, I encourage you to report criminal activities to the police.

Allow me to register my disappointment with the trend of crimes, which is very disturbing in our country. Official national statistics, particularly on gender-based violence (GBV) reported to the Namibian Police, show that crimes committed against women and children are on the increase, and the Erongo Region is no exception. 

Thus, a holistic approach is required from all stakeholders, to be able to address this phenomenon. I therefore urge all leaders and the community to join hands with the Namibian Police in the fight against crimes. I should point out that GBV is difficult to effectively address, because, in most cases, it is committed in homes and bedrooms. 

Therefore, we can only succeed in addressing the challenge if there is cooperation with the police.

In closing, I would like to once again express my deepest gratitude to Rössing Uranium for their continuous generous donations to the community, for their support, and to all those who have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality. Let us continue to work together in unity in order to ensure that DRC Police Station stands as a symbol of safety and security for generations to come. 

May this groundbreaking ceremony be the start of a new era of safety and prosperity for the DRC community.

With these words, I now have the honour and privilege to officially commission the construction of DRC Police Station.