No houses for police officers at new Phokera Police Unit

The newly built Phokera Police Unit in Nsanje has no houses for police officers, a development that is likely to delay its occupation and operation, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

Nsanje Police Station Officer-In-Charge 3rd from left at the newly-built Phokera Police Unit

NSANJE, Malawi - The newly built Phokera Police Unit in Nsanje has no houses for police officers, a development that is likely to delay its occupation and operation, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Mutupha, the officer-in-charge of Nsanje Police Station, made the observation after inspecting the site on Thursday.

He said he and his team were impressed with the construction work of the police unit infrastructure, which includes spacious offices and cells, as well as toilets for both officers and suspects.

However, he said the lack of housing for the officers who will be deployed to man the unit is a major challenge that needs to be addressed.

"We have no powers to commission the infrastructure, but we will forward our recommendations and those of the Nsanje District Council to the National Police Headquarters and the commissioner responsible for the Eastern Region," Mutupha said.

He said the visit to the unit followed calls from Nsanje Lalanje lawmaker Gladys Ganda, Mlonda Ward councillor Casim Ngwali, and Nsanje District Council on the completion of the work at Phokera Police Unit.

There has been no comment from Ganda, as she has not yet responded to a questionnaire.

Ngwali acknowledged that there were no houses at the unit and said there were no plans for them initially.

He also said there was no water supply at the unit and that Mutupha gave them some conditions to meet.

"The house plan depends on what the Area Development Committee decides," Ngwali said.