New offices and fitness centre for police
A R25-MILLION project is underway to build a wellness centre, gymnasium and offices for South African Police Services (SAPS) units in Fort Jackson near Mdantsane.
Eastern Cape police spokesman Lieutenant Khaya Tonjeni said the multi-million construction was being done by RO Swika Joint Venture.
“The Mdantsane tactical response team, Mdantsane flying squad, Mdantsane employee health and wellness centre, Mdantsane supply chain management and a gymnasium for SAPS members will be located on the premises currently being built,” said Tonjeni.
Construction started early last month and is due to be completed by April 30 next year.
Mdantsane police spokesman Lieutenant Nkosikho Mzuku said the building was first acquired as a house and later turned into the Fort Jackson police station before it was used for the specialised unit.
“Before construction, the building was used for the Mdantsane tactical response team and across the street, another police building was used for the Mdantsane flying squad team.”
Mzuku said the Mdantsane flying squad unit had temporarily moved to West Bank while the Mdantsane tactical response team had been relocated to the police station in NU1 for the duration of the renovations.
“Our supply chain management and employee health and wellness units have been operating from the Mdantsane NU 1 police station building, but the major problem with these units is the minimal office space.”
The new building will accommodate all these units.
The Mdantsane gymnasium will be the second gym facility available for SAPS members in Mdantsane, East London and surrounding areas, including the recently built facility at the provincial head office in Zwelitsha.
“The new gymnasium is meant for Mdantsane Cluster police members, but any SAPS member with an interest to utilise the facility will be more than welcome,” said Mzuku. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za