Construction work for new Police Staff College kicked off

Kabul, June 2012. On the dusty ground in Police District 12 in Kabul, it appears like the work on an oilfield started – only that the construction workers are not drilling for precious oil but for the local water supply needed for the New Staff College. The preparatory works for the construction of the new Police Staff College by two subcontracted construction companies are now in full swing.

An interesting development in this project is the decision by the implementing partner, the Institution of Migration (IoM), chosen by the EU to manage and oversee construction, to appoint two subcontractors. This decision was taken Ralph Logan, Operations Director for EUPOLs Training Component. He is convinced that this was a wise decsion, enhancing the quality and efficiency: “IoM believes an element of competition between two construction companies is an important element in bringing this project in on time and in budget. Each watching each others rate of progress is an understandable incentive to match “brick for brick” the building work of your partner, or competitor, depending which way you view it.”

General Zal, Commander of the Staff College, currently occupying premesis at the Afghan National Police Academy said: “ We are all pleased to hear the building work has begun. This marks an important milestone in our journey with EUPOL to work together in this new Staff College.” 

Its construction is expected to be completed by 2013 and it will have a capacity of 300 students. Eventually, the Staff College, will have a permanent home. So far, over 3100 Afghan National Police students (June 2012) have participated in leadership training at the temporary Police Staff College within the Border Faculty at the Kabul Police Academy.