OPUWO: The construction of the Kunene Regional Police Headquarters in Opuwo is set to be completed by November 2024, following the resumption of work after a year-long pause due to contractual disputes. Initially slated for completion last year, the project is now back on track and is reported to be 76 percent finished.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the delay was primarily caused by disagreements between the contractor and the government, leading to a halt in construction in 2023. Commissioner James Karunjoojo Nderura, Regional Commander of the Kunene Namibian Police Force, confirmed that a new contractor has resumed work on the headquarters, which began construction in January 2020 with a budget of 65 million Namibian dollars. Nderura indicated that the remaining 24 percent of the construction is expected to be finalized by November 2024, with an inauguration planned for January 2025.
Once completed, the new headquarters will provide ample space for various police departments and introduce additional
services to the region. “Once completed, we will move all the divisions to the new premises, as we are currently housed in one small building, which makes work challenging,” Nderura stated. The facility will include a dedicated space for the Crime Investigation Division, enhancing the efficiency of criminal investigations, and a vehicle clearance unit, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for vehicle clearance services.
In conjunction with the resumption of construction, Nderura’s contract has been extended for another year by NamPol Inspector General Joseph Shikongo. Although Nderura turned 60 this year, his retirement is postponed until September next year to ensure the successful completion of the regional headquarters.
