Residents of Gisozi Sector and Gasabo District have constructed a fully-fledged Police station valued at over Rwf23 million as part of their community policing initiative to support security activities in the area.

The Police station, which has offices, a detention facility, mess, accommodation for the attached officers and fully connected with Internet, was inaugurated yesterday by the Minister of Local Government, Francis Kaboneka, who was accompanied by the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda the mayor of Gasabo Stephen Rwamurangwa and local leaders in Gasabo and the City of Kigali, among others.

Minister Kaboneka described the initiative as "fruits of good governance.”

While emphasizing teamwork as a crucial tool and power in development, the Minister challenged other sectors to borrow a leaf.

"Local government is in charge of implementing development policies but this can’t be realized when there is insecurity; this kind of partnership indicates the existing bond between the people and local government with Police, and paves way for smooth implementation of policies,” Minister Kaboneka said.

"We can hardly achieve anything if we work in isolation; this kind of partnership should continue to thrive at all levels as we continue to work together to prevent anything that can affect the country’s development agenda. We will continue to make this partnership stronger and fruitful,” he noted.

"As police, these residents expect you to deliver to the required standard.”

IGP Gasana thanked the residents of Gisozi, the leadership of the sector and the district for the valuable initiative.

"What we are witnessing today is hinged on the national security and development agenda. Between Police and local government, there is community policing which aims at raising awareness, detecting, fighting and preventing crimes,” IGP Gasana said.

"Development and security can’t be realised without this commendable cooperation. We can only say that it was not in vain... we will continue to develop together using the little available means to achieve what we need,” he noted.

Theophile Niragire, the executive secretary of Gisozi explained that the idea to construct the Police station was born out of the fact that residents were facing challenges walking long distances to Kinyinya police station, which was also serving Gisozi.

"Even when residents contributed and bought a vehicle, we thought it wise that it can be used in other activities rather than only transporting wrongdoers to Kinyinya,” Niragira said.

Gisozi was the only sector in Gasabo, which has no Police station. Gasabo is composed of 15 sectors.

Rwamurangwa, however, said that the district in partnership with the sectors and residents will continue to work together to face-lift other police stations to the required standard.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw