Ambulance service owners at each others throats

LifeLink Henties Bay and Namibia Marshal Rangers both want to operate in Henties Bay, but the town might be too small, literally and figuratively, to be able to accommodate both of them.LifeLink recently indicated that, due to financial unsustainability, it was going to cease its operations there after a decade of service. Soon after that, Namibia Marshal Rangers, who are increasing their presence in Erongo, indicated their intention to establish an ambulance service in Henties Bay.While the outcome seems to be a logical conclusion, the situation becomes complicated for two reasons: one is that while arrangements are in place for the marshal rangers to put up shop in town, a surprise move by the community have resulted in LifeLink possibly getting a second lease on life in Henties Bay. The second reason is that there is beef between the two companies’ bosses; Brian Low of LifeLink Henties Bay is suing Marshal Ranger Sean Naude for N$100 000 for alleged defamation of character.Low is claiming that Naude spread defamatory comments about him and his private ambulance business in the town – allegedly claiming Low unprofessionally and unethically providing a monopolized emergency services to the detriment of the town’s people. He told Erongo 24/7 that he cannot say more on the court case as it was sub judica.He however did confirm his intention to leave the town because it was not making business sense, but then a community meeting was convened in which it was decided to establish a trust to help fund and keep an emergency service provider in town. “Because of this we have decided to work with the fund and remain in Henties Bay, but if in the future the fund is not sufficient to continue, we have to look at things again because at the end of the day we have to make ends meet – we are not trying to be profitable, just to break even,” said Low, adding that he believes the Henties Bay community was quite able to produce the funding to maintain an ambulance service provider.Low said he does not know what Naude’s plans are, neither did he wish to comment whether the two of them would be able to work together in the small town. “There was hardly enough for one service provider; there definitely won’t be enough for another,” he said. “It’s really a small town and it is a struggle to maintain such a service. There is a reason why other service providers that are quite qualified to serve the community are not here.” He however said that he would not prevent anyone from doing what they are registered to do depending on whether they provide those services according to the law.The Namibian Marshal Rangers are however optimistic that their operations in Henties Bay will be up and running within a week. All papers are in place, registration has been done and the premises obtained – in town, close to the frail care facility. According to Sean they are perfectly trained and equipped to deliver emergency support services to the town – especially to the elderly. “Our presence there is not about the money; it’s about assisting the people through a much needed service provision. One is not enough, we need to support each other,” he said, adding that the Marshal Rangers also have a lot of support in town.Asked about his intended relation with LifeLink, Naude told Erongo 24/7 that he fully supported LifeLink as a business and is happy about the community wanting to assist. He said that the law suit was a personal and “feeble attempt” to discredit him and to keep him out of Henties Bay. According to him the beef started many years ago during an accident scene near Henties Bay where there was an argument in which Naude was allegedly told by Low to remove himself from the scene.Naude complained about this on FaceBook, and this is where the laws suit emanated from, which he intends to defend. “We don’t have a problem working with LifeLink; we are not going to Henties Bay to compete with them but compliment as a support and assist service, but he has made it his mission to come against me,” said Naude.

Ambulance service owners at each others throats

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Republikein 2025-05-01

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Ambulance service owners at each others throats

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