A place to call home for Dobe border post staff

Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security personnel stationed at the Dobe border post officially received their long-awaited houses, a move that signifies not only the completion of a lengthy project but also a commitment to delivering enhanced services to the people. The construction of the staff accommodation for immigration officials commenced on 2 June 2015, with an initial practical completion date set for 28 January 2017. However, various challenges during the construction process resulted in delays. Despite these setbacks, the Namibian Police Force (NAMPOL) building team assumed responsibility for the project on 21 July 2021 and brought it to conclusion.

Situated approximately 52 kilometres from Tsumkwe, the Dobe border post serves as a vital entry point, facilitating movements between Namibia and Botswana. Open seven days a week from 7:30 to 16:30, this strategic border post caters for a diverse range of travellers, including daily commuters, international visitors and tourists. Over the past three months alone, the border recorded a total of 1,493 arrivals and departures. The newly inaugurated staff accommodation comprises eighteen housing units, including two three-bedroom units and sixteen two-bedroom units. The infrastructure not only meets the current housing needs of personnel but also accommodates future placements, ensuring continuity and efficiency in operations.

Situated approximately 52 kilometres from Tsumkwe, the Dobe border post serves as a vital entry point, facilitating movements between Namibia and Botswana.

“Movements between the two countries are taking place, requiring us to improve our facilities. Systems are being put in place to ensure that the community can cross the border with their identity documents. I further urge the responsible constituency councillors to disseminate all relevant information to our people so that they can apply for the new-look identity document which will allow them to cross the border,” says Lucia Witbooi, Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.

Moreover, the ministry remains committed to utilising modern technology, such as the electronic Border Management System (eBMS), and providing for staff placement and capacity building to ensure effective border management control. The deputy minister further urged staff members stationed at the border post to regard the infrastructure with a sense of pride and responsibility, to treat it as their own and to ensure its upkeep and maintenance for the benefit of both current and future officials. “Let us change the mentality of carelessness by ensuring that the property is always well maintained. This is our property, and it should be our pride to occupy it,” said Witbooi.

The deputy minister extended the ministry’s gratitude to its internal and external stakeholders for their continued cooperation and support.

Maggie Forcelledo Paz