In a heartening display of community-first leadership, the Mayor of Walvis Bay, Cllr Johannes Shimbilinga recently hosted the Coastal Drugs Awareness Campaign (CODAC) representatives at the Walvis Bay municipal offices. The meeting forms part of the town’s ongoing efforts to address drug-related challenges.

During the engagement, the CODAC representatives outlined the organisation’s impact and challenges. CODAC Vice Chair Josef Haufiku indicated that since 2016, the non-profit has reached nearly 20,000 learners through sports programmes, mentorship, youth empowerment initiatives and rehabilitation support aimed at steering young people away from substance abuse. The representatives further highlighted that, for many years, CODAC operated without its own transport, relying on volunteers and personal resources to reach remote schools, churches and correctional facilities for awareness campaigns. According to Haufiku, these logistical constraints have limited the reach of their drug prevention efforts in Walvis Bay.

CMB Tech Namibia, which has procured a 48-seater hydrogen bus for community use, will provide maintenance and a driver whenever required. This innovative vehicle is envisioned as a shared transportation resource, enabling learners to attend churches, sports activities, and awareness tours whilst supporting local law enforcement agencies that often lack adequate travel resources. Registration of the left-hand drive vehicle has proven difficult.