Consider human aspect

THE multi-million-rand revamp of the Bethelsdorp Police Station and murders of five Ngcobo police officers have placed the state and security of public buildings in the spotlight.

There are those who would argue against introducing an element of humaneness and dignity into institutions such as police stations and prisons.

Anyone entering a public facility, be it a police station, a prison or even a school, has the basic right to human dignity.

Feeling safe is part of that basic right.

It is well documented that conditions at many unrenovated prisons in South Africa are poor.

There’s the problem of overcrowding, which raises safety questions.

There is the issue of the safety of staff, particularly those working late at night.

We need to ensure police officers work in not only a safe environment, but also under humane conditions.

In addition to notions of safety and dignity are other values, such as comfort, and with this often comes an increased sense of ownership and pride.

Companies contracted for the development of state facilities need to ensure, from the outset of the planning process, that plenty of forethought goes into the design, construction and renovation of state facilities.

This includes a more sensitised approach in dealing with state buildings and the communities within which they are situated.

This also extends to the vulnerable victims of crime.

Victims of child and gender abuse need to be handled with care and privacy.

Bryan Wintermeyer, SVA International, the architectural firm behind the Bethelsdorp Police Station renovations