Sophia Shaningwa Fire Station: Officials deny shutdown, cite security moves
Outjo acting chief executive Jaco Labuschagne has dismissed allegations that the Sophia Shaningwa Fire Station at the town is not operational due to a lack of electricity.
Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, Labuschagne expressed frustration over what he described as ongoing misinformation regarding the status of the town’s emergency infrastructure.
His comments come amid residents complaining about the station’s inactivity.
Labuschagne, however, claimed the station was functional and currently operates on a pre-paid electricity meter system installed late last year.
“Yes, there is electricity. There’s always been electricity. The only thing that happened was one night when the electrical garage doors didn’t open due to low units, but we opened them manually and used the vehicles. We didn’t stand still,” Labuschagne said.
He said the municipality continues to use the facility for training sessions, meetings, and operational planning.
However, some of the larger emergency vehicles including the fire truck and ambulance have been temporarily relocated to the municipal workshop following incidents of theft.
“There were break-ins. Fuel was stolen from the vehicles parked at the station. That’s why we moved some of them,” he explained.
“We are planning to place staff there again and to convert the pre-paid meter back to a normal meter system.”
Labuschagne also noted that despite the relocation of certain vehicles, the municipality’s fire and emergency response services remain intact.
“We still use the fire station. It’s part of our operational set-up. We’ve just adjusted how we manage the vehicles to prevent theft,” he said.
He reiterated that municipal workers are placed on standby during emergencies, supported by ongoing training programmes to ensure local personnel, including service station workers and others in high-risk sectors are prepared to assist if needed.
The municipality has come under criticism from some residents who claim there is a lack of clear communication on how to access emergency services, but Labuschagne said this is being addressed internally and does not reflect a failure in service provision.
“We don’t want to argue with people. We are working. We have a plan,” he said.
Kunene governor Vipua Muharukua could not be reached for comment.
A resident, who prefers to remain anonymous, says the situation on the ground tells a different story.
“When the shack fire broke out near the main road, we ran to the service station for help because no one from the council was answering.
“We were told they only respond when they are available or if someone calls a specific number,” the resident claims.
The source adds that people’s homes were burning, and they were forced to find a solution.
Another concern raised by the resident was a lack of public awareness on how to access emergency help.
“There are no posters, no numbers, nothing.We’re just told to wait. Sometimes we wait too long.”
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