Africa-Press – Namibia. Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, has emphasised the importance of resourcing government offices with adequate staff and infrastructure to ensure efficient service delivery, especially in remote areas such as Karasburg.
She made these remarks earlier this week during the official opening of the newly constructed Karasburg sub-regional office.
Referring to the ministry’s previous premises, Iipumbu said the space had become unsuitable for both clients and staff. “It became evident that the previous office was neither conducive nor conveniently located. For this reason, a decision was made to establish a new office close to the police station, allowing our people to access both police and home affairs services more easily,” she explained.
The minister noted that the old office’s distance from the central business district and the police station posed a particular challenge to senior citizens, who were often required to make additional trips for declarations and affidavits.
“I have also taken note of the long distances Karasburg residents travel to Keetmanshoop — over 200 kilometres — to apply for identity documents (IDs). Plans are, therefore, in place to expand services at this office during the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year to include ID applications and biometric capturing,” she announced.
Iipumbu also used the occasion to urge parents and guardians to register their children immediately after birth, stressing that doing so ensures access to essential services such as healthcare, education and social grants. She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the establishment of both the previous and the new office facilities.
“I encourage residents to make full use of the services offered at this new office, take good care of the infrastructure, and preserve it for future generations,” she said.
In her welcoming remarks, Karasburg mayor Maria Veldskoen highlighted the significance of having both Home Affairs and police services under one roof. “This inauguration marks not only a milestone in decentralised government service delivery but also a moment of transformation and empowerment for the people of Karasburg and surrounding communities.”
Veldskoen reemphasised that the new facility is a testament to government’s commitment to delivering services as close as possible to the people, ensuring that no Namibian is left behind.
Speaking to New Era, local resident Linda Swartbooi (65) welcomed the development, noting its particular benefit to the elderly. “Having these services in one location will meet our needs for national documents and police assistance. We are looking forward to the day when all document processing will be done here, saving us the transport cost to Keetmanshoop,” she said.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
