THE Director-General of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sifiso Mdakane, visited the Pinetown SAPS recently for an insight into the State-owned facility which is in a deteriorating state.

Mdakane met with the acting station commander, Colonel Ronnie Heeralall, who said that an urgent intervention plan needs to be put in place to save the facility from its current unsightly state.

Heeralall guided the team through the station, including the cells, Community Service Centre, and meetings area, providing a comprehensive view of the facility.

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“A team of professionals will be deployed to do a detailed condition assessment and provide a comprehensive report to guide the structured way of intervening to save the police station.

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“This project is further revelation that the province has no capacity or delivery plan to carry out proactive maintenance to our clients. Consequence management will be implemented and a drastic move towards improvement will be implemented as part of my commitment to better service clients,” said Mdakane.

Although the visit was unannounced, officials said the oversight proved to be a blessing in disguise.

Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu said the station consists of a four-storey main building, along with two additional buildings on the same premises.

“One of these houses the CIMAC (Crime Management and Analysis Centre), Employee Health Wellness, and Vehicle Clearance, while the other accommodates the Vispol Support and the Exhibit Department.

“Despite its size and importance, the main building has leaking roofs, broken window panes, and cracks on the walls, and it has never undergone renovation since its establishment, making the station’s condition a matter of urgent attention.”

Despite these structural challenges, Naidu said Mdakane was impressed with the overall cleanliness and neatness of the station.

The Station Commander highlighted that this is entirely due to the dedication of members and management, who personally take care of the premises – from tending to the grounds to maintaining the interior of the station – often using their own resources.

The station also runs internal projects every Friday, where members work together to keep the entire facility in tip-top condition, while simultaneously ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to the community.

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