A simple sod turning ceremony was held yesterday morning to initiate $10M in development works at Coomacka Mines, in Linden.
The works will see the erection of a police out-post, a community bus shed and a basketball court and they are already attracting great support from engineers and construction workers from Linden.
Residents also gave their blessings to the project yesterday and joined a volunteer group to do their part.
The construction of the police outpost is an undertaking by the Linden Station Management Committee (LSMC), in response to calls by residents for the increased presence of law enforcement to foster safety and security for the community.
More than a year ago, the LSMC had made a commitment to the late former commissioner of police Henry Greene and Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee to spearhead the construction of the outpost in the area.
The outpost will be made up of a porter-camp, donated by Bosai, with an extension to accommodate living quarters and other necessities for the resident police officers.
The construction of a bus shed is being done at the request of residents. They said that an attempt was previously made by another group but had failed. “We really need this bus shed, when we got to wait on bus in the broiling sun,” said a resident.
A businesswoman in the area had requested that a basketball court be constructed. “We have the commitment of a big businessman that if we get the place set right, he will fund the project,” she said.
The LSMC will also be facilitating the landscaping and other ground preparation for the basketball court.
The three projects are set for completion in time for Christmas this year.
Several community meetings were held with residents, where a number of safety and security issues were raised. They had spoken of the high incidence of criminal activities and their limited opportunities for getting justice. The nearest police station is approximately 10 miles away and police patrols are seldom in the area. Senior residents also expressed concerns about the future of youths in the community.
