By Amadou Manjang
The Gambian leader Adama Barrow on Monday inaugurated four new police stations in Serekunda, Bundung, Bakoteh, and Brusubi.
The building of the four model police stations cost about 700, 000 euros. The project was funded through the collaborative efforts of the GIZ Police Programme: Joint German-EU support to The Gambia Police Force.
Serekunda and Bundung police stations have new complex buildings whilst Bakoteh station has an upgraded floor building and Brusubi station has a Police Child Welfare Unit.
While delivering his speeches before opening the new-stations, President Barrow said the building of the model police stations is part of the infrastructure development project for the ongoing Security Sector Reform.
He said that there cannot be any security sector reform without infrastructural development, and these infrastructures conform to the international standard that promotes human rights.
The president urged the communities where the stations are to join hands with the police force to promote safety and security in the country.
The Inspector General of Police, Abdoulie Sanyang said the four model police stations are ‘unique and unprecedented’ in the history of the Gambia.
IGP Sanyang said the buildings will provide a conducive working environment for the police, however, the safety and security of the people reamains their priority.
He added that the police are committed to promote professionalism, respect for human rights and the rule of the law.
The police chief called on Gambians to desist from hate speech and bigotry.
The Chargee d’Affaires of the German Embassy, Ms. Tanga Roy said the model police stations will have a lasting impact on the Gambia.
Ms. Roy said the new infrastructure will set a minimum standard for security and safety for the police and people.
She added that this will contribute to the country’s peace and also promote dialogue between the police and the people.
For Corrado Pampaloni, the head of the EU delegation, the handing over of the police stations is based on three aspirations that are care and professionalism, safety and unity, and justice and progress.
He added that the rights of every Gambian should be respected by the police and they should be treated with respect and fairness.
The infrastructural development is geared to strengthen operational capabilities by enhancing the physical infrastructure of The Gambia Police Force.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by cabinet ministers, security chiefs, imams and alkalis.
