14 Aug 2024

The construction of  28 police stations across 27 villages countrywide will enhance the efficiency of policing services and bring them closer to local communities.

Speaking at a media briefing in Gaborone on Tuesday, Police  Commissioner, Ms Dinah Marathe the over P1.6 billion project, was expected to make a substantial contribution to the national commitment towards transforming policing in Botswana.

“This is a massive undertaking and one of the most extensive police development projects in our history,” stated Ms Marathe.

The Commissioner of Botswana Police Service, Ms  Marathe says building more police stations strengthens their efficiency in delivering their mandate.

Commissioner Marathe explained that the selection of locations for the new police stations was based on their proximity to existing main police stations and the prevalence of crime in the areas.

Each facility will consist of a single-storey office block featuring nine offices, seven staff houses, two vehicles, office furniture, ICT equipment, and various support resources, she said.

The Commissioner said the project was awarded to , Home Safe Properties, China Jan Sung International Botswana Joint Venture and Unik Construction Engineering, who in turn subcontracted 36 citizen owned companies. Ms Marathe said the project embodied the ideals championed by His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi as part of the Mindset Change initiative.

Unlike previous projects, the construction of the new police stations will follow a turnkey approach, ensuring a streamlined delivery process. Ms Marathe expressed confidence that the stations would be completed within 18 months.

To foster community ownership and partnership, the police have invited local Dikgosi and Members of Parliament from the 27 villages to the project launch, which is set to be officiated by President Masisi on August 20.

Commissioner Marathe highlighted the initiative’s potential to create jobs across the country, stating, ‘this translates to jobs for our people who will be engaged by these companies to deliver these projects'.

Responding to enquiries from media, Commissioner Marathe said all the projects were implemented in accordance with the national development plans.

Ms Marathe said government had a budget to complete the Maitengwe Police Station but was constrained by budgetary constraints and needed to resolve existing disputes with contractors to complete projects.

She said the disputes also involved the Forensic Lab in Gaborone Village and  said  she believed the disputes would be resolved soon and facilities handed over to the Botswana Police Service. ENDS