Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia Police Force (GPF) on Saturday officially commissioned a newly constructed, state-of-the-art police station in Essau, North Bank Region, marking a major step in the ongoing modernization of the force.
The facility, built through a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the GPF, is designed to strengthen security operations, enhance public trust, and improve policing services in Essau and the wider North Bank Region. UNDP financed 95% of the construction cost, while the GPF contributed the remaining 5%.
The station is equipped with ramps for persons with disabilities, victim support rooms for survivors of sexual offences, human rights-compliant detention cells, administrative offices, dining areas, and sanitary facilities for officers.
Speaking at the inauguration on behalf of President Adama Barrow, Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang described the project as a “significant milestone” in efforts to build a safer, more stable Gambia. He underscored that decentralizing policing infrastructure is critical to creating an environment conducive to human and national development.
“We are aware that security assurance attracts investment, and investment creates employment, and the higher the employment rate, the lower the crime rate,” Sanyang said, adding that every community in The Gambia deserves access to quality security services regardless of location.
Inspector General of Police Seedy Muktar Touray noted that the Essau Model Police Station was designed to meet international standards for modern policing, catering to the needs of officers, the community, and individuals involved in criminal investigations.
“Essau police station is a testament to what is possible through a shared vision. The community donated land, and UNDP and GPF pooled resources to build a modern and purpose-built police station for the village,” Touray said.
He added that the strategic location of Essau—situated along a major route for cross-border traffic between The Gambia and Senegal—necessitated the establishment of robust policing infrastructure in the corridor, which now hosts three police stations within a one-mile radius: Barra, Essau, and Ambdalai.
“Within a mile radius, you have three police stations at Barra, Essau and Ambdalai. Which is a deliberate decision of the GPF management because this corridor is a strategic route for international traffic through The Gambia. Travelers to and from Senegal use this road regularly.”
North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan hailed the development as a source of pride for both the region and the nation. “This is indeed a moment of pride, not only for the people of Essau and the North Bank Region but also for our beloved country, The Gambia, as we continue to consolidate peace, security, and community development.” Saidykhan stated.
The Alkalo of Essau, speaking on behalf of the community, expressed deep gratitude to the government and its partners for bringing a modern policing facility to their doorstep.
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