The Municipality of Swakopmund has upgraded the fire station at the Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC) informal settlement in order to shorten response times in the event of a fire incident. 

The municipality introduced a 24-hour shift system in 2020, allowing the fire brigade unit to run continuously and ensuring that firefighters respond as quickly as possible to fire outbreaks.

In addition, the council introduced regular patrols, particularly in areas prone to fire, with the goal of responding as soon as an emergency call came in.

Inaugurating the DRC fire station, Mayor Dina Namubes said two firefighters would stay overnight at the station as the area is among the more accident-prone ones.

"As a council, we also wanted to enhance the living conditions for the firefighters. After months of upgrading this station, it is with great pleasure that we can now officially integrate the DRC fire station. An office, an elevated fire truck parking bay, one living room, an open kitchen plan, and both male and female dormitories were included in the upgrade."

Namubes says the council is well aware of the dire need for decent housing for the inhabitants of the DRC, and living conditions are considered a major contributor to fire outbreaks.