EDWIN MOYO
GWERU-Due to an acute lack of resources by the ZRP, residents in the affluent Ward 1 Ridgemont area have put their resources together for the construction of a Police post to serve the community.
In an attempt to curb high crime cases, the residents of ward 1 in Ridgemont have come together to mobilize and construct a Police post.
The project which began late last year after residents realised that the Police was hadicapped in fighting crime as they had to rely on the CBD station which is more than 10km away.
The main building with 4 rooms is almost complete as residents pooled their resources through Residents Community Development Fund.
Speaking to The Midweek watch, Ridgemont Community Development Committee chairperson, Coussie Anashe said by embarking on this project the community was prioritising its safety.
“As a community we discovered that the crime rate was going up in our area recently which is a peri urban and this project will go a long way in fighting the scourge.
“We resolved that there is a need for a Police point as this will help us access Police services nearby and in real time, so the project is taking place near the brick and tiles area. All the procedures were completed and the relevent authorities were roped in including our Police,” said Anashe.
A resident, Arthur Gore said the construction of a Police base was evidence that people could find solutions to ease their problems
“We cannot look aside while crime surges in our area. So we are optimistic that together with the Police we will fight the vice and reduce crime.
“Moreso our roads have become bushy affecting visibility for motorists as result causing accidents and we have also taken the initaiative to clear the roadsides.
“It is supposed to be the duty of Gweru City Council to clear this area but we cannot wait for them while we are being mugged by robbers in these bushy areas.
“It has become our responsibility to safeguard our own homes and families, if we don’t take the initiative, no one will do it for us,” he added.
Ward 1 Councillor Hamutendi Kombayi who is also GCC Mayor applauded the residents for the initiative as it shows they are responsible as the Council is sometimes handicapped due to lack of resources.
Kombayi added that he has also initiated another Police base ata Fair haven which aalso falls under his ward.
Since last year reports of theft and robbery were a cause for concern in the Ridgemont and Hertfordshire areas as Police patrols are limited in the area due to the absence of a Police base
