Western Bureau: Minister of National Security and Justice K D Knight is scheduled to officially open the new Ulster Spring police station in Trelawny on Wednesday, October 17.

Completed at a cost of $3.5-million, work on the project began in August, and ended nearly 2 weeks ago.

“The project was completed in the prescribed time and within budget,” director of projects in the Ministry of National Security and Justice, Raymond Ramdatt told the Observer.

He said the new facility was designed to provide a more comfortable environment for the policemen and residents who will use the facility.

“It has male and female dormitories, interview rooms, work stations, sanitary facilities, canteen and bathroom facilities and an entertainment area,” Ramdatt said.

He added that the three cells on the compound were also refurbished and equipped with bathroom facilities.

The old structure on the premises on which the new station now stands was demolished in May, and operations there transferred to a building on the grounds of the nearby Ulster Spring clinic.

At the ground-breaking ceremony in June, Superintendent of Police Jasmine Tomlinson-Brown welcomed the decision to construct the new station as with the use of the old building, officers were forced to work under adverse conditions. She added, however, that despite the poor working conditions, the officers continued to perform professionally.

The more than 20 officers who now work at the Ulster Spring police station are expected to move to their new location in time for next Wednesday’s official opening.

Among the communities the new station will serve are Ulster Spring, Albert Town, Stettin and Sawyers.

Meanwhile, plans are also in place to transfer the operations at the Duncans police station to a section of the building that now houses the Duncans Post office.

“At the moment, the top floor of the Duncans post office is being refurbished to accommodate the Duncans police station,” senior public relations officer in the Ministry of National Security and Justice, Shirley Byfield told the Observer.

She added that the work is expected to be completed in time for the scheduled relocation of the officers next week.