Communities and residents in East Honiara will benefit from the multi-million dollar new Naha Police Station officially opened by the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Rick Houanipwela and the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E Roderick Brazier at a ceremony on 14 December 2017.
The new Naha Police Station, funded by the Australian Government, was built at a cost of SBD $9 million. It is constructed on the same site as the first station that was built and opened in 1979.
“I appeal to the surrounding communities to respect the new Naha Police Station and continue to cooperate with the police to prevent crime in the area. I also appeal to the RSIPF officers stationed at the new Police Station to be proud of their new work environment and ensure that it’s maintained to the high standard that it was delivered in,” says Police Commissioner Matthew Varley.
“Let us all thank the Government of Australia and of cause the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Police, National Security for facilitating the construction of the new Naha Police Station,” says Commissioner Varley
He adds: “I would also like to thank the Prime Minister, Hon. Rick Houanipwela for agreeing to be the guest of honour at the opening ceremony and jointly opening the complex with the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E Roderick Brazier. This is a clear manifestation of the priority that both the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments give to the role of the RSIPF in providing security in this country.”
Naha catchment area is from Baha’i to Mount Austin to Burns Creek covering about 75 to 80 communities in the area with a population about 20,000 people.
The new Naha Police Station has an undercover parking area for two fire rescue vehicles, an incident command centre, interview and charging rooms, secure storage of post disaster equipment, dormitory and ablutions for male and female officers, a watch house with two cells, storage areas, an outdoor area for greater engagement with the community and easy access for all community members either by stairs or ramp.
RSIPF Commissioner Varley explains: “The idea is for the new Naha Police Station to become an alternate Command Centre should a situation render the Rove Police Headquarters unsuitable in the time of a natural disaster.”
Community leaders from Naha and surrounding communities and members of the public witnessed the opening ceremony.
The local company, Hatanga Construction, built the new Naha Police Station.