BUIMO jail staff scaled down operations yesterday despite the deadline to move out from their rundown houses being extended to Nov 4.
According to a senior officer, jail staff yesterday refused to move inmates to and from the court houses or accept any new inmates, but opted to provide armed guards to mind the jail tower and the main gate for the security of prisoners.
The staff, although physically on site, did not escort prisoners on work parties outside the jail to parts of the city.
The officers wanted out now, fearing the extension of the deadline of the eviction by a further 11 days would leave them susceptible to diseases.
Jail commander Chief Supt Samson Jaro said the provincial health adviser Dr Likei Theo had extended the notice of intention to evict set for yesterday for authorities to find alternatives for the efficient removal of staff from their houses.
Supt Jaro said he was aware of the staff demands and resolution to stop work and concentrate to move themselves out of their houses at their own expenses if jail authorities fail to find suitable accommodations.
Supt Jaro said the extension of the eviction deadline would also enable the jail management to repair and maintain the sewerage systems because of the health risks.
He said he was seeking the services of the Lae Builders and Contractors to start work on the sewerage systems before Nov 4.
He said there were no problems with the maintenance of houses and the sewerage systems now that funds had been secured but this would depend on the tender process which usually is slow.
Correctional Services (CS) Minister Tony Aimo last week assured the jail that funds will be used from the law and justice sector programme to build the first 24 houses for jail staff and that tenders had also been called and the CS department was screening bids.
However, disgruntled officers told The National that their morale was low with the suspension of senior officer Steven Kaspou yesterday by the jail management.
The senior officer, who requested anonymity, said Mr Kaspou was instrumental in organising the eviction exercise and the suspension was a blow to their efforts and called for his immediate reinstatement.
The reasons for the officer’s suspension were unknown.