SHAMEFUL: Police officers live in deplorable conditions

 

Police officers in Dilolwe camp in Kanye reside in severely dilapidated houses. This week, they shared their concerns about their challenging living conditions.

Some time ago, a toddler died in an electric shock incident in one of the dilapidated houses. The affected couple was relocated, but the electric faults were never addressed, and the house has since become an abandoned and dilapidated structure.

Speaking to The Midweek Sun this week, concerned police officers revealed that they have consistently lodged complaints about their living conditions, requesting for better housing. Despite their efforts, the houses remain unmaintained, with no improvements to date.

They expressed dissatisfaction, noting that not only are some houses worn out, but the sewage drains have not been attended to in three years and are now full to capacity. This has compelled them to keep windows closed to avoid the unpleasant stench emanating from the sewage drains, making their lives unbearable.

One police officer lamented, 'There is no point in keeping the windows closed. When we open doors to go in and out, the smell from the drains fills the rooms. We fear for our health, and we do not enjoy the meals we cook due to the terrible stench.'

The worried officers even invited The Midweek Sun to the dilapidated camp. Upon arrival, indeed some windows were broken. The affected police officers have since improvised to close up holes with cardboard boxes. The terrible stench from drains fills the air, some doors do not have handles, and there are gaping holes below doors allowing crawling animals and insects to enter the houses.

Some police officers have expressed concern about living near the dilapidated and abandoned houses, citing the risk of attracting thieves who could potentially steal their property. One officer stated, 'I am always anxious when entering my house at night, fearing that thieves might be hiding inside the nearby abandoned houses. I am even concerned about the safety of my property.'

Some police officers depend on appliances like televisions for illumination inside their houses since the bulbs are not functional due to worn-out electric cables and sockets. A frustrated police officer said that there are numerous houses in the village where a more suitable arrangement could be made for them to live, rather than being expected to fulfil their duties while staying in such unbearable conditions.

'It is funny that house rental fees are deducted from us monthly while the houses are not maintained,' he said.

They pay housing allowances rentals ranging from P169 to P500, depending on their ranks. Despite this, some of their houses experience significant roof leakages during the rainy seasons.

When asked about maintenance of the houses, the Kanye Buildings Department concurred that police officers indeed live in worn out buildings, but explained that they long stopped attending to the houses as the funds for house maintenance are controlled by the line ministry.

The area Manager, Lazarus Abueng explained that the houses need major refurbishment. The publication attempted to get a comment from Kanye Police commanders, who referred the publication to their seniors in Gaborone.

When contacted, Botswana Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Dipheko Motube requested an opportunity to visit the police camp to assess the situation before providing a statement.

He also urged the publication to submit a questionnaire to his office, but as of now, there has been no response.