MORUPULE COAL MINE REFURBISHES CENTRAL PALAPYE POLICE STATION

Botswana Police Service has been bolstered in its mandate to serve and protect the community and uphold the rule of law by the refurbishment of The Palapye Central Police Station, which now dons a new and fresh look after Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) refurbished the facility at a cost of P700 000.

MCM awarded Goldern, a youth citizen owned company from Palapye to carry out the refurbishment works which included renovation of the main block, cells, office corridors and landscaping. The renovations also included the crime investigations offices, the old traffic block and generator room. The project was implemented under the MCM Corporate Social Investment program and as a legacy initiative for their expansion venture, Motheo Project. The renovation of Palapye police station is the second legacy initiative under MCM Motheo Project banner, after the commencement of construction for a P25 million multipurpose sports stadium which is also in Palapye.

Welcoming guests during the handing over ceremony last week Kgosi Martha Lebang of Palapye commended the coal mine for its continuous support to the community of Palapye and the surrounding villages. Kgosi Lebang said that the refurbishment of Palapye Central Police Station is a welcome gesture as it will complement the speed at which the village is growing.

“Palapye is growing into a town and therefore one police station was not enough, so this police station is a welcome development,” she said. She further said the new facility will help in decongesting the main police station, reduce crime and increase policing around Palapye, and surrounding areas.

When giving remarks, MCM Business Development Manager Mathews Bagopi said that it was only natural for MCM to heed the call by the Botswana Police Service when they requested assistance with the refurbishment of the station as this important service center. “It is a great honour to hand over this symbol of our collaboration, commitment and sense of belonging to our community. The MCM Board of Directors, General Manger and employees are humbled to have once more had an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic landscape of Palapye and our country,” said Bagopi.

He further said for Botswana Police Service to execute their mandate, the core of which is to serve and protect the community and to uphold the rule of law in the nation, it requires not only adequate manpower but also sound and fit for purpose facilities from which they can operate from as they serve the community in their policing areas.

When giving a keynote address the Minister of Defense, Justice and Security Honourable Kagiso Mmusi also commended MCM for the gesture, which contributes to the Vision 2036 pillar of Governance, Peace and Security. He said achieving Vision 2036 is a national dream and a joint responsibility that requires the participation of both the public and the private sector including individual citizen support.

Honourable Mmusi also said government is always excited to see the business community coming on board and embracing the partnership benefit in the development of the country and its people. “This partnership is even more important and conspicuous in the face of dwindling resources,” he also said. Furthermore, Mmusi explained that the refurbished police station is an important addition, as Palapye is transitioning into one of the fastest growing villages in the country, with its strategic location along the main North-South highway and the East-west adjacent crossroad sections. “Whilst we are amenable to the new developments, the unfortunate side is the increased criminal opportunities that come with economic developments, hence it was important to refurbish the facility to complement the new main police station,” he said.

For a vote of thanks, Member of Parliament for Palapye Onneetse Ramogapi also applauded MCM for their continued support not only in Palapye but the nation at large through their corporate social investment program. He urged government to improve resourcing of the Botswana Police Service to effectively carry out its mandate and functional duties.