Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-02-29 09:10:56
Lawmaker Musa Cham, representing the Serekunda constituency, has raised concerns about the abrupt closure of the London Corner police station without prior community engagement. The closure of this station has left residents of the Serekunda suburb feeling frustrated and worried about the security of their lives and properties.
The decision to shut down the London Corner police station was made without any notice to the community, leading to confusion and anxiety among the residents. Musa Cham explained that part of the police station was marked for demolition to make way for the construction of the Rev. JC Faye Road. This decision was made last year, and while the community engaged with the authorities, including the Inspector General of Police and Commissioner Omar Darboe of the KMC Division of the Gambia Police Force, they were not informed about the closure.
As the National Assembly Member for Serekunda, Musa Cham and community elders met with Commissioner Darboe to express their frustration. They were advised to speak with the landlady of the property where the station was located to seek permission to extend the station. The community successfully negotiated with the landlady to extend the station while the Gambia Police Force continued to pay rent for the space.
After raising funds and making preparations for the extension of the police station, the community was taken by surprise when they discovered that the station had been closed without warning. This sudden closure left them questioning whether to proceed with the construction or halt it, as they had been informed by Commissioner Pateh Bah that there were plans to downsize the number of police stations due to high rental costs.
Musa Cham emphasized the importance of having a police station in every community to protect and secure the lives and properties of the people of The Gambia. The lack of a police station in London Corner is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed urgently.
It is essential for community engagement to be prioritized when making decisions that impact public safety and security. Musa Cham’s efforts to address the closure of the London Corner police station highlight the importance of open communication between authorities and the community to ensure effective governance and address the concerns of residents.
In conclusion, the closure of the London Corner police station without community consultation has raised valid concerns about public safety and security in the Serekunda suburb. Musa Cham’s advocacy for transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes is crucial for fostering trust and cooperation between the authorities and the people they serve.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
