The Ninegerum Jail in the North Fly area of the Western Province is portraying a hallmark of improvisation with resounding success.
This all being done, under very difficult circumstances some so dire that would have derived negative results.
"We have to operate within our means and ensure that this government establishment functions," says commanding officer Senior Inspector Kokayan. It is very difficult and often trying, but we have persisted on.
His words of hope, match the cleanliness of the jail as well as a successful farming project and a very effective jail.
The irony as, Mr Kokayan explains is the blanket perception that its proximity to the Ok Tedi mine, sees it acquiring benevolent favors.
"We are struggling and not many people know about this. We have a lot of problems but our challenge has been to operate within our own means. It is not easy, running a jail often without some of the basic necessities. But what hope do we have?" says Mr Kokayan
Surprisingly Mr Kokayan runs the facility with only seven men, hardly a reflection of a jail requirement. Visitors alike have expressed bewilderment, seeing the ratio of warders to detainees, yet the institution has achieved significant results.
"I think we have a very good management which has allowed this to happen, says Tabubil District Court Magistrate Patrick Monouluk.
"And, the commander works closely with the police and the magisterial services, which has seen these changes come about."
Magistrate Monouluk has also been working closely with the commander in fast-tracking verdicts for the remandees. This, Monouluk explains are crucial because, the quicker they get sentenced, detainees are focused on serving their terms, rather than infiltrating convicted detainees with mischief.
"So far we have been able to curtail this. The commander has been very cooperative and is a key member of this achievement," adds Monouluk.
This trait has showcased the Law and Justice Sector's sectoral approach where all the sector agencies are working together. Yet, this is done at the provincial level and is, beginning to achieve results, often under trying conditions.
Commander Kokayan believes if some of the assistance was to be given attention, the success can be increased and the PNG Correctional Service's mandate can be fully realized.
"We are operating this jail on a shoe string budget. But we have managed to stay afloat and have not closed the jail," said Mr Kokayan.
He admits that the jail's location has placed it in a predicament, and unless it is visited, its pleas have been drowned through an array of perpetual lack of response. But, this is a blessing and he has held the fort together, and results have been apparent.
Among some of the prevalent achievements are;
* Significant reduction in the number of escapees in the last one year. On record, there was only one escape incident reported;
* The prison farm has supplemented the detainee's diet. The corn, taro and aibika patches have constantly saved the jails rations budget. This also compliments CS Commissioner Richard Sikani's directive of jails, being self- sustainable through the use of arable land for farming;
* Community support to the jail has been overwhelming. The community has assisted the jail with community work as well as recovering escapees. And, the rapport the jail has established, pays off, sometimes using civilian transport to assist the jail's errands;
* The jails cleanliness, which is clearly visible from the roadside. Neatly trimmed edges, flowers gardens and the general upkeep, has won a lot of admiration from the on lookers and visitors; and
* The implementation of the law and justice sector's sectoral approach and with great success. The provincialistaion of the concept has triggered off, what is deemed to be a brilliant testimony of success.
Help is steadily flowing to the jail, from the provincial government and the Ok Tedi Mining. Ok Tedi Mining's Public Affairs Manager David Masani says the company is committed to the jail's calls. These include, buildings, rations and transportation on a need to basis.
"We help where we can, based on the request from the jail commander," said Mr Masani. We are all stakeholders in addressing law and order and this is where we can help as a company."
Mr Masani added that the company also has an obligation to support service establishments to improve performances, and it will continue to assist.
Ninegerum has certainly created a new wave of self-determination, a leap often employed by many jails. It now needs urgently;
* An institution vehicle to transport detainees;
* A new water pump and constantly supply of diesel fuel;
* A comprehensive rehabilitation program;
* Change of old guards and additional manpower to boost the jail's growing number of inmates; and
* Training for the warders many of whom are nearing retirement.
Ninegerum has surprisingly alluded to the Sector's Strategic Frame work of securely holding detainees in a humanely and accepted facilities. This story is one of provinces, ricocheting national directives and the positive achievements are a result of, sheer agility and commitment.
 

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