14 Oct 2024

Investment in security remains government’s priority due its immense contribution toward facilitating trade and economic development.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said yesterday during the official opening and handing over of the refurbished Gaborone Central Police Station that police resources such as infrastructure contributed to the creation of a safe and secure environment, which was critical to making Botswana a destination of choice for investment, tourism and international event hosting under the

Meetings,Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition strategy.

Furthermore, President Masisi said since 2019, government had embarked on various policing related projects such as Mmathubudukwane, Semolale, Letlhakane and Maitengwe police stations as well as forensic laboratory, police hangar and the recently commissioned 28 police stations and associated accommodation, 35 police posts and 264 police staff houses.

He said Botswana Police Service primary responsibility was to guarantee the safety and security of the country, its citizens and promote safe environment for economic development in line with the National Vision 2036 pillar number one of governance, peace and security.

“We have always been steadfast and committed, and remain confident that we shall continue to deliver effectively in this area,” he said.

Therefore, he said the refurbished police station would enhance the productivity level of the police because it would improve the ambiance of the working space.
 

He said refurbishing of the police station, which included the building of new offices, would boost the country’s performance in respect of the above-mentioned national vision pillar.

Dr Masisi said Gaborone Central Police Station was part of the heritage of Gaborone and its historical importance influenced the keeping of its original design and architecture for the benefit of future generations including visitors.

Furthermore, he said Botswana Police Service had transformed from pre-colonial period to being the best resourced, transformed and performing police service, receiving international accolades from reputable performance rating institutions.

Also, President Masisi said the government would continue to prioritise public safety issues and modernise Botswana Police Service to effectively deliver on its core mandate of ensuring public safety and security.

“This is our standing commitment to Batswana,” President Masisi said, adding that the commitment to police effectiveness was demonstrated by continuous allocation and development of requisite human resources, investment in police infrastructure, airborne law enforcement capability, drone technology, safer city solution, forensic science support, cyber forensic support, law enforcement technology, research and development and digitalisation of key processes, among others.

“We will continue to capacitate police services to make it more relevant and effective in today’s highly dynamic world,” President Masisi said.

The Gaborone Central Police Station refurbishment project was awarded to Colic Construction Development at a cost of P35.6 million for a duration of 558 days.

Commissioner of Police, Ms Dinah Marathe expressed delight that the project, which comprised 36 offices including a reception area, identification suite, community service centre, interview rooms, armoury, custody suite and a lecture room also had the child-friendly centre.

For his part, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi said the improvement of the police station came at an opportune time considering the ever changing and complex policing landscape.

Mr Mmusi said the police station would now accommodate more officers with diverse expertise to match city policing needs.

“I therefore expect to see improved customer service from this facility and a positive impact on the crime situation in the area,” Mr Mmusi said. Ends