KINGSVALE, Hanover— Mayor of Lucea Sheridon Samuels has expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, for spearheading a $7-million refurbishing exercise at the Kingsvale Police Station in Hanover.

“I must thank the minister and the ministry for this initiative. I think this is an initiative that is welcome in Hanover itself, based on the crime situation that we have been facing over the period,” said Samuels.

The project, which started last week and is being undertaken in collaboration with the Hanover Municipal Corporation, the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the police youth club in the area, forms part of the Ministry of Local Government community outreach project for Local Government Month, being observed in November.

The work at the station includes repairs to the road leading to the facility, the installation of a new stand-by generator, the installation of a 1,000-gallon water tank, the installation of ceiling fans, repairs to the stations’ bathroom and kitchen, and general painting.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, who visited the police station on Saturday, pointed out that attention would also be given to the holding cell for juveniles.

He noted that prior to the commencement of the project, the termite-infested station was in a state of disrepair, and he promised to also improve the recreation area of the station.

“I have committed myself to provide a settee and a television set for the recreation area. In fact, the station left much to be desired. The conditions under which the officers here have to work were really not conducive, and since we have come here we have lifted the standard and we intend to do that by giving the place a total facelift. So when you come back here in the next two weeks, you will not recognise this police station,” said McKenzie.

Mayor Samuels, in the meantime said the Hanover Municipal Corporation will ensure that the station is properly maintained.

“We will ensure that we find the resources, if we are not going to get it from the ministry, to keep and maintain this facility,” he stressed.

Repairs to the station was also welcomed by officer in charge of the station, Sergeant Winston Webb.