BUILDERS Hardware and General Supplies has been awarded a contract in the sum of $17.6M to refurbish the dilapidated Anna Regina Police Station, the Ministry of the Presidency announced last week. This police station has been in a deplorable state for some time now.Some 18 police stations across the country will be rehabilitated under the second component of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP). This component seeks to improve effectiveness of the Guyana Police Force and the Forensic Laboratory in preventing crimes and conducting criminal investigations.

Initially, 12 stations would be remodelled to include: a department for domestic violence cases, and domestic violence case room with the provision of accommodation for children; witness protection room; an automated case management room; area for management of the public, and a listening room.

The CSSP is in the process of hiring a consultant to begin designs for the first 12 stations which have been identified for rehabilitation: Mibicuri; Cane Grove; La Grange; Mackenzie; Kwakwani; Enachu; Issano; Aishalton; Annai; Suddie; Aurora and Mabaruma.

Selection of stations was based on recommendations made by the Guyana Police Force to the Project Manager of the CSSP, Clement Henry. Henry told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that these stations were considered the ones most in need.

Component Two is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at a cost of $US5.5M. The CSSP is a five-year programme.