Blantyre Police in K6bn office complex project

Blantyre Police Station plans to construct a K6 billion office complex beginning September this year to end accommodation woes faced by police officers.

The construction of the new station, in-between government office complex and the old boma buildings, follows the allocation of K500 million in the 2017/18 National Budget.

A press statement signed by chairperson of Blantyre Community Policing Forum Misheck Munthali on Wednesday, said the new station will have modern facilities such as closed circuit television (CCTV) and control room, in which police officers will monitor traffic movement and other activities happening on the streets.

The statement said funding for the project will be provided in subsequent budgets.

“This development has come due to our tireless efforts and advocacy since 2013. We, therefore, ask government to continue funding the project year-after-year,” reads the statement in part.

In an interview, Munthali said apart from budget allocations, they also intend to engage in fundraising activities to ensure that the project meets its two-year deadline.

“The money we have received this financial year is a starter-pack for the project which will include groundwork. We will engage in dinner and dances to raise more funds and ensure that we do not miss the deadline,” he said.

Munthali said the construction of the office complex will not only add beauty to the country’s commercial city, but also help to motivate police officers to work harder.

Blantyre Police Station has been operating on the premises of Department of Works opposite Wenela Bus Depot since late 1990s following the demolition of its offices. n