The
canteens,
which
had
been
closed
for
years,
were
reopened
last
month
following
the
appointment
of
Stephen
Mutamba
as
the
new
Commissioner-General
of
Police.
The
move
marks
a
departure
from
the
tenure
of
his
predecessor,
Godwin
Matanga,
and
is
seen
as
part
of
broader
reforms
within
the
force.
Sources
within
the
police
confirmed
that
officers
are
now
receiving
breakfast
and
full-course
lunches,
including
rice
or
sadza
with
beef,
chicken,
or
fish,
accompanied
by
vegetables.
The
revival
of
canteens
comes
amid
growing
dissatisfaction
among
junior
officers
over
poor
salaries
and
challenging
working
conditions.
National
police
spokesperson
Commissioner
Paul
Nyathi
confirmed
the
initiative,
stating
that
it
was
part
of
government
efforts
“through
the
Commissioner-General
to
improve
the
working
conditions
and
morale
of
police
officers.”
While
some
officers
welcomed
the
improved
meals,
others
remain
skeptical.
“The
meals
are
a
good
step,
but
they
don’t
pay
our
bills,”
one
officer
said
anonymously.
“We
are
still
struggling
financially,
and
the
government
needs
to
do
more
than
just
provide
food.”
Another
officer
viewed
the
initiative
positively
but
called
for
further
reforms.
“This
is
a
small
but
significant
step.
We
hope
it’s
the
beginning
of
more
meaningful
improvements
in
our
welfare.”
However,
concerns
have
been
raised
about
the
sustainability
of
the
feeding
scheme.
A
senior
officer
expressed
doubt
over
its
long-term
viability,
citing
past
instances
where
similar
measures
were
abandoned
after
a
short
period.
“It’s
a
temporary
measure
to
quell
discontent,”
the
officer
said.
“We
need
better
salaries,
improved
working
conditions,
and
a
more
supportive
work
environment.”
Some
officers
have
also
alleged
that
senior
police
officials
are
taking
advantage
of
the
revived
canteens
by
diverting
raw
food
supplies
for
personal
use.
As
the
government
moves
to
address
police
welfare,
the
real
test
will
be
whether
these
measures
go
beyond
meal
provisions
to
tackle
deeper
structural
challenges
within
the
force.
Post
published
in:
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