{"id":65438,"date":"2024-03-23T16:24:57","date_gmt":"2024-03-23T16:24:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/namibia\/all-news\/impalila-base-renamed"},"modified":"2024-03-23T16:48:43","modified_gmt":"2024-03-23T16:48:43","slug":"impalila-base-renamed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/namibia\/all-news\/impalila-base-renamed","title":{"rendered":"Impalila Base renamed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Namibia. <\/strong><\/span>THE Naval Base and jetty were officially renamed after Lieutenant General John Mutwa, one of the gallant sons of this region, on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Minister of Defence and Veterans\u2019 Affairs, Frans Kapofi, said the renaming is a fitting tribute to all their brave men and women in uniform, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to defending our nation.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt reminds us of the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom and security,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He added that Mutwa displayed extraordinary courage and resilience throughout his distinguished career.<\/p>\n

Kapofi indicated that his contributions to the nation\u2019s security were invaluable and immeasurable, from leading troops into battle to shaping military strategy.<\/p>\n

Kapofi emphasized that the Naval Base, formerly used by the South African Defence Force before Namibia\u2019s independence, later served as a secondary school for the Impalila community until 2012.<\/p>\n

In August 2014, the Defence Ministry initiated the rehabilitation of the base, which was completed in October 2017.<\/p>\n

Simultaneously, work on the jetty began in April 2016 and concluded in October 2017.<\/p>\n

Kapofi indicated that before the rehabilitation of the base, the island faced numerous security challenges, including illegal border crossings, unregulated fishing, poaching, theft, and drug smuggling.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese issues prompted the Namibian Navy to establish a naval district covering the Zambezi, Chobe, and Kavango rivers, emphasizing the importance of fortifying security in the region,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He added that these security challenges have significantly decreased since the Navy\u2019s deployment and subsequent patrols.<\/p>\n

Moreover, Kapofi indicated that collaborating with the Namibian Police Force, Impalila Conservancy Authority, the local community, and law enforcement from neighbouring countries, the navy successfully conducted individual and joint operations.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese operations reduced crime and enhanced safety within the local community, fostering a more secure environment,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

He explained that the improved security has benefited the local community and strengthened cooperation between neighbouring countries.<\/p>\n\r\n