Aimo addresses Buimo jail issue

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
PNG Correctional Services Minister Tony Aimo last week said there are plans to use about K84,000 to maintain the first 24 staff houses at the Buimo prison in Morobe.
Mr Aimo’s statement is to clarify reports that Buimo prison will shut down in two weeks time due to the deteriorating condition of the staff houses.
These conditions had led to prisoners and staff with their dependents suffering from malaria and dysentery prompting the Morobe Health Division inspectors to take a court order to shut down the prison.
Mr Aimo also clarified that the National Court had ordered that the prison be closed down next March 24 and not in two weeks time.
“CS now had in place plans under the Law and Justice Sector Programme, a corrective maintenance plan under which materials for the 26 houses were purchased at a cost of K83,675.
“Other houses will be maintained before March 24 next year under the same programme.”
Mr Aimo said his technical officers had visited and carried out inspection and were expected to release the scope of works to CS and the Law and Justice Sector Secretariat to start on the project.
This was being funded under the National Law and Justice Sector Secretariat Planned Maintenance.
Bids received for these works were now before the Central Supplies and Tenders Board for awarding.
“CS had plans for infrastructure rehabilitation at Buimo, with much emphasis on staff accommodation.
“Currently, work is being carried out to design a new grey water reticulation system for the houses with septic problems. The actual pipes work should be carried out next month.”
Mr Aimo also called on the Morobe provincial government as a party to the court order to honour their part by assisting to maintain staff houses at Buimo.