Public Works Deputy Minister Jeremy Cronin, MP, has officially handed over the Chatsworth Police Station to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa following renovations and rebuilding of the precinct by the Department of Public Works (DPW).
The police station which cost at least R105 million to upgrade will serve 13 communities of more than 250 000 people from Chatsworth, South of Durban. Crimes affecting the community include house breakings, prostitution and drug related offences which are also catalysts for more serious crime such as rape, house-robbery and business robberies, as well as crimes against women and children.
In his handover speech, Deputy Minister Cronin said the renovated precinct is one of the many good South African stories to tell. The Deputy Minister said the project was estimated at R120 million but after open and transparent tender processes, the project cost R105 million, saving government R15 million without compromising on the structural integrity of the building.
During the construction of the police station, 60 learners from the local community were recruited for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Deputy Minister Cronin said of the 60 EPWP learners, 19 of them have graduated as artisans in various technical fields and they will form a core cadre of Public servants who will strengthen the government’s efforts to capacitate the state and root out corruption.
The project also offered training to 27 DPW trainees who received skills in bricklaying, painting, mechanical, plumbing, carpentry and electricity.
The renovated police station will create a more efficient and professional work force, improve front line service delivery and adequately equip personnel to the best of their ability, thus also improving service delivery to the community.
The newly revamped police station comprises about 10 000 m2 of facilities including a cell block, training facilities, control centre, administration offices and a Community service centre.
