Correctional Services Minister Tony Aimo is confident that the under-rated Department of Correctional Services would improve and become a force to reckoned with during his term as minister.
Minister Aimo gave the undertaking during a visit to the Boram jail in East Sepik last Wednesday.
He said prisons had been seen as a place for trouble makers but plans were now underway to turn these prisons into educational institutions.
Mr Aimo announced that four regional technical institutions would be built where trades such as carpentry, mechanic, welding and plumbing would be taught to prisoners.
He said this package come under the institution’s rehabilitation programme, which plans to equip prisoners with necessary skills so that they work to earn a living instead of resorting to crime when they leave the prisons after their jail term expire.
Mr Aimo also assured the prisoners that they would be well taken care of during his term and that they should behave while serving their term so that they qualify for the opportunity to be rehabilitated properly and sent back home.
The minister told the warders that he was considering a reasonable remuneration package to compensate them for the hard work they are doing under extremely conditions.
He added that work on their home ownership scheme was also nearing completion and he would informed them when everything was in order.
Mr Aimo said for Wewak, a portion of land at Yawasoro havd been secured likewise for Port Moresby, while work on acquiring land in other centres was continuing.