After years of bickering, Makhaza residents can finally
celebrate the construction of a police station that will cater to their needs.
Yesterday (02 August), Police Minister Bheki Cele conducted
a sod-turning at the site for the new station behind the Desmond Tutu Community
Hall.
The station is expected to be completed before the end of
the year.
Cele, who was accompanied by the National Police
Commissioner Lt-Gen Sehlahle Masemola, Western Cape Police Commissioner Lt-Gen
Thembisile Patekile and Western Cape Minister for Police Oversight and
Community Safety Reagan Allen, described the station as an asset for the
community. He urged the community to protect the facility.
“Whatever your problems, don’t come close and stop this
project. The community has to mobilise against whoever tries to stop this
project. It has nothing to do with the individuals. This project has been
dragging for more than a decade to be where it is today,” said Cele.
Khayelitsha Development Forum chair Ndithini Tyhido praised
the construction process. He urged other government departments to come on
board. He said Khayelitsha has an estimated two million people and appealed for
more investment.
“You cannot be in an area where there are more than two
million people and not build offices or engage in any infrastructure
development but expect no crime,” he stated.