Makhaza residents’ dream is about to be fulfilled, as a new police station for their area is in its initial stages of construction.
The building is expected to commence as soon as its site is ready.
The site has already been fenced and there are two prefabs, a shipping container and a zinc structure that have been erected on the site.
Levelling of the ground started a few weeks ago.
Ward 96 councillor Lucky Mbiza confirmed the site was open.
He stated that the station would be built into two phases.
“For phase one, only the wall will be constructed. Then they will be using prefabs for offices,” he said.
“It is expected to be completed by the end of November, after which it will be operational. Phase two will commence next year, until 2025, when they will build a permanent structure. And more jobs will be created during that process.”
Mbiza stated the construction of the station was long overdue and urged the community to be patient.
“This is a dream come true for our community members. We believe the construction of the station will lessen the burden from the Harare Police Station.”
Mbiza said there was a mobile police station at the Makhaza Shopping Centre to assist the community with certifying documents and opening cases.
However, he added that it was not good for the community.
Mbiza said residents were forced to stand on the road outside the centre when businesses close.
He stressed that jobseekers wishing to submit their CVs must do so to the project steering committee or community liaison officer (CLO).
“I want to state categorically there is no councillor hiring people for work,” he said.
“There are rumours circulating that councillors of wards 95 and 96 are hiring people to work on the site. We have nothing to do with the hiring of contractors.”
Mbiza believed the rumours were peddled by some disgruntled community leaders.