08 Feb 2018

Emerging challenges in law enforcement calls for a robust, adequately housed and a highly resourced police service.

That was said by Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi during the handing over ceremony of 84 housing units in Block 10, Gaborone.

Speaking at the handing over of the housing units constructed in Gaborone North, an upmarket area positioned a stone’s throw away from Airport Junction Mall, Mr Masisi said the new development was in line with meeting increasing accommodation demands in the Botswana Police Service (BPS).

The houses, he said, were constructed to the tune of P66 million, adding that demonstrated government’s commitment to providing a conducive working environment for the BPS through improved working conditions and welfare.

The Vice President noted that such undertaking would go a long way in improving public safety and security which were central to government policy development as enshrined in Vision 2036 and successive National Development Plans.

Moreover, Vice President Masisi noted that the current budget estimates which were presented by Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Kenneth Matambo showed that the BPS development budget had increased from P149 million during 2015/2016 financial year to P313 million in 2017/2018.

That, he said was expended on procurement of 222 police houses countrywide.

The budget for BPS in 2018/2019 was P490 million. Thus, he said, if parliament approved it there was need for BPS leadership to continue to use it prudently to ensure effective service delivery to the people.

On other issue,s the Vice President divulged that the current developments at BPS were a Forensic Science Laboratory in Gaborone and three police stations at Semolale, Maitengwe and Mmathubudukwane.

He sadded that there will be construction of a new police station at Block 10 to service the location in an effort to improve police service delivery in the area.

He noted that the BPS which was one of the oldest institutions in the country-established in 1884 continued to demonstrate that it was a law enforcement agency of note as evident in accolades received from the international community.

“We recently observed Botswana being ranked No.1 in Africa by the World International Security and Police Index survey conducted by the International Police Science Association in 2016,” he said adding that this showed a high performing government organ.

For his part, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Dikagiso Mokotedi noted that the Block 10 housing project commenced in 2006 following the appointment of a private sector design team.

He noted that despite challenges which they encountered on the way such as suffering a major setback in 2008 on account of economic recession, the project was reinstated and had been well on course in the consequent years.

Mr Mokotedi said they ensured that there was wider participation of citizen contractors in line with government Citizen Economic Empowerment initiative in various phases of the Block 10 police housing project.

He added that various construction companies such as Tsabong Building Contractors (PTY) LTD which had a lion’s share of the project, Colic Development Construction Company, BB12 Construction Company (PTY) LTD, Lejala Electrical and Modern-UTS Mechanical Works Company made the project a success.

The permanent secretary further disclosed that next to the Block 10 police housing units there will be construction of a further 18 town houses and 10 high cost houses estimated to cost P56 million.

These houses, he said would also cater for people living with physical disabilities.

He added that construction works were expected to commence in April this year thus the project was expected to be completed within 15-18 months.

Also present at the ceremony was Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi who expressed his gratitude for the project.

“I am delighted each time a security related infrastructure is delivered. To me these developments mean improved service delivery,” he said.

Commissioner of Police, Mr Keabetswe Makgophe also appreciated government for resourcingthe police, saying the move was clear demonstration of commitment to national security.  

“In the environment of limited budgets where every sector of the economy is under pressure to cut costs, it is very gratifying that as the police we continue to receive resources including housing,” he said.

He thanked government for its support and pledged that his institution would continue to strive for professionalism. ENDS