Policy implementation will fix diet issues: Official

National

THE implementation of the Prison Industry Policy will address the issue of unbalanced diets in correctional institutions, a union official says.
Acting president of the Correctional Employees of PNG Daniel Mollen was responding to the concern raised on the meals provided to prisoners at Bomana recently.
“This issue can be addressed through the implementation of the Prison Industry Policy. This policy was launched early this year,” he said.
“However, internal agronomic production activities in correctional institutions were established in the early years of Independence.
“Manpower shortage and allocation is also affecting the balance of food production and secure containment responsibilities.
“The Correctional Service has technical agriculture officers who are not sufficiently supported in terms of funding, and material resources to inspire bulk production of supplementary meals to the usual rice and tinned proteins.”
Mollen said it was sad to see that food production was unable to meet the food needs of the prison population.
“The CS was overlooked over the years with limited funding to improve service delivery.
“Therefore, it is urged that the new policy on prison industry as well as the Correctional Service strategic plan is well supported by the Government through the PNGCS annual budget with strategic funding arrangement and sustainable management practice by institutions.”