A raft of infrastructural works carried out at the Rapid Intervention Unit’s headquarters in Ta’ Kandja were inaugurated on Tuesday morning.
Speaking during a press conference, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg said, “We must be certain and committed to offer the best conditions to these entities in order for them to operate most efficiently in the best possible environment and we are giving all the necessary help because we believe in them; we believe in the services they provide and above all in the security and protection they give to each and every citizen.”
“As a government, our commitment is not only on a civic basis to the community but we must be sure to also assist these hardworking entities by providing the highest quality of infrastructural works and modes of modernisation possible”, he added.
In recent weeks, Infrastructure Malta carried out various works of improvement at the Ta’ Kandja Police Station, particularly in the section where the RIU is based as well as at the headquarters of the Department of Civil Protection located in the same area within the limits of Siġġiewi. In addition, it is worth mentioning that at the headquarters of the RIU, Infrastructure Malta also carried out landscaping work by laying the soil and planting 68 indigenous trees such as locust, cypress and fir.
Other works already carried out include various anti-flood interventions, where not only have the existing canals and gutters been cleaned and repaired, but other new rainwater catchment systems have been built. Among other things, the parking space for service vehicles has been improved, organised and paved. Furthermore, roads have been signposted and reformed with asphalt . Sidewalks have been built around the buildings in the same areas for greater safety. Old fence structures have also been removed and new walls have been built.
Minister for Home Affairs Byron Camilleri stated that this project helped upgrade the complex to one which was state-of-the-art. He explained how the works carried out in Ta’ Kandja, with the assistance of Infrastructure Malta, will enable police officers who work in this complex to have a more welcoming and appropriate working environment.
“The Ministry for Home Affairs, in collaboration with other ministries, is working to improve the environment in which police officers work. We want a motivated police force and the workplace is one of the factors that makes people content,” said Minister Camilleri while noting the investment being made in the Rapid Intervention Unit. He said that this project is part of a series of other investments being made by the Police Force amounting to millions of euros.
Infrastructure Malta has also carried out various improvement works with regards to sewerage and electricity services which in some cases, in addition to digging trenches and laying new cables, also included the building of switchrooms.
The agency is currently also carrying out infrastructural works at the Academy for the Disciplined Forces which is also located in Ta ’Kandja, at the Police Garage in Floriana and at the Ħal Far Fire Station.
Infrastructure Malta CEO Frederick Azzopardi and Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa were also present for the press conference.
Photos: Giuseppe Attard