Partnership to build new Malahang police station

By JIMMY KALEBE
THE signing of an agreement by International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI), the Ahi Group of Companies and Lae MP John Rosso yesterday in Lae has paved the way for the rehabilitation of the Malahang Police Station.
Ahi Investment Corporation general manager George Gware said the signing formalised the gift from ICTSI to the people of Lae.
“ICTSI embarked on this project as its first project to tackle social issues through funding and partnership in the community,” he said.
The first project that ICTSI will look at is law and order to make sure it is given priority.
Gware said the funding came through in February and two new police vehicles were bought.
“The launching of the construction of a new police station at Malahang in February was put on hold because of the cost variation, and this signing is the formalisation of that variation which saw the initial cost of K200,000 now increased to K400,000,” he said.
Gware expects construction to start next week.
It is understood that ICTSI is keen to consider health and educational projects as community services initiatives.
The company’s deputy director Filipina Laurena said ICTSI believed that in enhancing the economy and community development, police had to be equipped first.
“ICTSI is not only here to pursue its interests but also to participate in community development initiatives,” Laurena added. Lae MP John Rosso, while thanking ICTSI for the approval of the variation, said he was fully supporting the initiative.
“Once the police station is completed, I will be partnering with you all to ensure that there is also mobility for the police officers,” he said.
“In working in partnership again with Ahi Hope Foundation, we will set up a water supply project to supply water into the local Ahi communities and rehabilitate the Malahang Health Centre,” Rosso said.