Residents of Northend fundraise to construct a police post

RESIDENTS of Northend suburb in Bulawayo have taken the initiative to improve security in their community by organising a fundraising event towards the construction of a police post at the Northend Shopping Centre.

The Northend Residents Association (Nera) has partnered with local entrepreneurs and traders to host The Denim and Urban Weave Show at Queens Sports Club Gardens on Saturday, with proceeds from the event set to support the construction of the proposed police post.

The initiative comes amid concerns over increasing cases of theft, break-ins, vandalism and drug abuse in the suburb, with residents saying the absence of a police post within the area has made it difficult for them to access police services promptly.

Residents are required to travel to Khumalo Police Post, situated at Bulawayo Central Police Station, to report cases, a situation they say can delay the response to incidents and discourage some victims from making timely reports.

Northend Residents Association chairman Mr Rameck Makonese said residents had already secured land from the City of Bulawayo for the construction of the police post and were now mobilising resources towards the project.

“We have successfully applied for land from the City of Bulawayo earmarked for the construction of a police post at the Northend Shopping Centre.

“We have embarked on this initiative to raise funds towards the construction of the police post,” he said.

Mr Makonese said the fundraising event was deliberately designed to combine the security initiative with support for local businesses by creating a platform where entrepreneurs could market and sell their products.

“Basically, we aim to promote small businesses in Bulawayo by creating a platform for them to market and sell their wares.

“We are mainly targeting handmade crafts, art, home décor, urban wear, fashion designers, food and grills, beauty and health-related services,” he said.

The event, which is expected to attract more than 800 shoppers, will feature food and winter warmers, drinks and treats, fashion, thrift clothing and accessories, crafts, art and home décor, as well as children’s entertainment and other family activities.

Mr Makonese said the initiative was also intended to strengthen the relationship between residents and the business community while raising money for a project that would benefit the entire suburb.

“We want to bring the community and local businesses together while raising funds for the police post.

“This is not only about entertainment; it is about supporting a project that will improve security in Northend,” he said.

The event will also feature live performances and DJs, while the best exhibiting vendor will receive an award.

Mr Makonese said the association hoped the event would grow into an important platform for supporting local entrepreneurs while contributing to community development.

“The best exhibiting vendor will walk away with an award, and we will also have surprise appearances by local artistes alongside a selection of DJs providing entertainment throughout the day,” he said.

Residents say the establishment of a police post would bring police services closer to the community and enable quicker responses to crimes.

Mr Makonese said the growing concerns over theft and vandalism had strengthened the residents’ resolve to take practical steps towards improving security.

“Having a police post within the suburb will help ensure a swift response when residents report cases.

“We have had concerns over theft and vandalism, while drug abuse is also becoming a serious concern.

“The presence of police officers closer to the community will help address these challenges,” he said.

He said residents should not wait for the Government alone to address every community challenge, adding that partnerships between residents, businesses, local authorities and other stakeholders could help accelerate development.

The proposed police post is therefore being positioned not only as a security facility, but as a community-driven response to challenges affecting residents.

For the Northend community, Saturday’s fundraiser represents a small but significant step towards turning that vision into reality.