17 rural lockups in the pipeline

By GYNNIE KERO
Correctional Service Minister Chris Nangoi says there are plans to build 17 more rural lockups to add to the current six.
He told The National that the six in operation are at Moreguina in Central, Ambunti in East Sepik, Gumine in Chimbu, Finschhafen in Morobe, Misima in Milne Bay and Baiyer in Western Highlands.
“The Correctional Service plans to build 17 more rural lockups in districts around the country with counter funding support from the district development authorities,” he said.
“The rural lockups or community corrective centres are for reintegration purposes, to release inmates back into the communities.
“It’s more community-oriented focusing mostly on rehabilitation programmes under the department.
“Inmates that are put in rural lockups are mostly short-term convicts, not remandees. The holding capacity is around 50 inmates.”
He said at an event in Morobe recently that an investigation was going on for the incomplete perimeter fencing at the Buimo jail in Lae.
“The commissioner (Stephen Pokanis) is aware of this situation and we already have it in our budget.”
Nangoi thanked Lae MP John Rosso “for helping us on Buimo”.
He urged governors and MPs to use their budget for the law sector to help build Correctional Service facilities.
“(They should) release those funds and help us build facilities such as the perimeter fencing at Buimo.”
Nangoi said the CS planned to make sure prisoners were engaged in agriculture.
“We have a workforce there that we can use in agriculture and get revenue for the department.”