Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela today launched a €500,000 renovation and modernisation process for police stations.

The project was announced during a visit by the Minister at the Birzebbuga station. He was accompanied by Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar.

Mr Abela said eight police stations are being renovated during the first phase of the project. These were chosen according to the current state and importance of the station. Major renovation works are being undertaken at the Birzebbuga, Zabbar and Zejtun stations. Work on the Sliema, Marsaxlok, Msida and Cospicua stations will start in the coming weeks. Maintenance work will also be carried out at the Fgura police station.

The Home Affairs Minister said many police stations have not seen any form of work for the last quarter of a century, with the result that they are not adequately equipped. According to records, renovation works at the Birzebbuga station were last carried out in 1986.

Current renovation works include upgrading on electrical, water and drainage services, the laying of new tilework, plastering and air conditioning.

IT infrastructure is also being upgraded and security is being enhanced through the introduction of CCTV cameras. The station facades are also being renovated while accessibility is being improved.

Minister Abela noted that more than 1,000 police officers are stationed at the district stations.