Bank Windhoek, Okahandja Municipality safeguard community

On Friday, 16 August 2024, the Okahandja Municipality hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Okahandja Fire Station and the acquisition of new machinery. Purchasing the machinery is a public-private partnership between Bank Windhoek and the Okahandja Municipality.

Congratulating the Municipality on reaching the milestone of constructing its new fire station and buying new machinery, Bank Windhoek’s Okahandja Branch Manager Claus Stein said the completed fire station will be instrumental in safeguarding the community and its valued belongings.

With regards to the new machines, he said, “As we stand here today to unveil these machines, it is a sign of our commitment to service our clients, provide suitable financing options, and eventually contribute to their success. We stand firm in our belief in being sustainable as an organisation in whatever we do and in striving to carry this vision over to our key stakeholders.” Bank Windhoek financed machinery worth N$7.2 million to assist the Municipality in furthering its operations and service delivery to the residents.

The community is currently served through the Okahandja Town Council’s workshop, which operates as its emergency fire station

The lack of rooms at the Okahandja Town Council workshop for overnight firefighters limits the ability of emergency officers to respond effectively to extinguishing veld fires, attending to house and shack fires, and responding to or attending to road accidents that occur on national roads almost daily. According to the Municipality, emergency officers attend to about 72 shack fires, four to five house fires, and 80% of road accident statistics annually.

Okahandja’s Mayor, Beatrice Kotungondo, said the machinery obtained through Bank Windhoek would enhance service delivery for the residents of Okahandja without excuse. She further applauded Bank Windhoek and Okahandja Municipality for the partnership, which allows the team to serve its community better.

Okahandja’s Strategic Executive Officer of Finance, Information Technology and Asset Management, Pasella Nunda, explained that beyond the essential role of safeguarding Okahandja’s residents, this project is a significant investment in the local economy. “The construction phase alone is expected to create jobs and provide valuable employment opportunities for our residents. Moreover, the station’s presence will contribute to this area’s ongoing development and revitalisation, attracting further investment and encouraging growth,” he said.

Nunda said the project is a clear example of combining public safety initiatives with economic development to create a thriving, resilient community by investing in infrastructure that supports safety and economic vitality.

Stein concluded by saying that Bank Windhoek looks forward to the positive impact of the completed fire station and new machinery on the Okahandja community and the Municipality’s operations.