Prof Ncube pledges bricks, funds for Cowdray Park policing & anti-drug drive

GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to strengthen policing systems and modernise law enforcement operations, with the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, pledging support for security infrastructure development and anti-drug initiatives in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park and Luveve suburbs.

Prof Ncube has pledged to donate 10 000 bricks towards the construction of a new police station in Cowdray Park, while also contributing US$2 000 to initiate a constituency fund aimed at combating drug and substance abuse.

The interventions come as Government steps up its drive to reinforce law enforcement structures and improve public safety through infrastructure development, technological innovation and enhanced mobility for security services.

Speaking during the relaunch of the Police Client Service Charter in Luveve on Monday, Prof Ncube said policing systems require collective support from communities and stakeholders to ensure that law enforcement agencies are adequately equipped to respond to emerging challenges, including rising cases of drug and substance abuse.

He said the construction of a police station in Cowdray Park would improve access to policing services in one of Bulawayo’s fastest-growing suburbs.

“To support the Luveve and Cowdray Park policing system, I am donating 10,000 bricks towards the construction of a police station in Cowdray Park. We also recognise the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse, and I am donating US$2 000 towards the initiation of a constituency fund to tackle this problem,” said Prof Ncube.

The anti-drug initiative comes at a time when Government has intensified efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths, amid growing concern over the increasing prevalence of dangerous substances and illicit drugs.

Prof Ncube said Treasury was also working closely with security institutions to enhance policing operations through modern technologies designed to improve efficiency and response capabilities.

He said Government is seeking to bolster police operations through smart technology systems aimed at modernising law enforcement and enhancing public safety.

“We want to improve policing operations through the use of smart technology. The future of policing lies in technology and innovation,” said Prof Ncube.

He said Government is also developing plans to improve mobility within the police service and other arms of the security sector to strengthen rapid response mechanisms.

Prof Ncube said enhanced mobility would improve reaction times to emergency SOS calls and other criminal incidents, while also addressing accommodation challenges through the provision of cantonment facilities for police officers and other service chiefs.

“We are working towards improving mobility so that police can respond quickly to SOS calls and other criminal activities. We’re also looking at issues around cantonment for police and other service chiefs,” he said.

Prof Ncube said authorities are also pursuing surveillance technologies as part of broader crime prevention strategies.

He said the long-term vision is to install camera systems across urban centres and residential communities to monitor criminal activity and improve public security.

“The plan is for police to have cameras around the CBD and in neighbourhoods to monitor criminal activity. In the CBD, cameras will also be used to monitor traffic.”

Government has, in recent years, been pushing for the integration of technology into policing systems under broader modernisation initiatives aimed at creating safer communities and improving service delivery.

Cowdray Park, one of Bulawayo’s largest and fastest-expanding suburbs, has experienced significant population growth over the years, increasing demand for key public services, including policing and infrastructure.

Residents have previously called for an increased police presence and enhanced security systems as the suburb continues to expand.

The proposed police station is expected to improve access to policing services and complement wider Government efforts to strengthen security and community safety.