Abuse of services

THE word ‘basic’ refers to simple things you can imply to solve a problem, rather than complicated or scientific formula. Over the years Correctional Services (CS) has had its water and electricity supplies disconnected.
They encountered many challenges like jail breakouts when there is no electricity to light up the place, and disease outbreak within prison facility as a result of a lack of clean water.
CS continues to encounter high cost of these utilities every year.
One can argue that cost is determine by prisoners’ usage.
It is disputed here as they are not fully responsible for the cost.
Staff officers and their declared dependents are partially responsible as they use water for household use for survival.
The point here is that apart from the legal occupants of the house, officers are accommodating relatives because of our strong Melanesian culture.
They are also users of water and electricity.
Apart from the domestic uses (drinking, preparing the food, washing, bathing, watering garden) of water and electricity, officers are now using these utilities for non-domestic uses. An example of domestic uses is poultry project.
Officers living in Correctional Services compounds have built themselves chicken coops, raised chickens and then sell them for an income.
The argument here is: Who is meeting the cost of using these utilities?
They are paying very little compared to the large amount of resources they use for personal gain.
It wouldn’t be an issue here if water and electricity are not used for domestic purposes, than household uses only.
In correctional institutions throughout the country, officers are continuously abusing these important utilities which are vital to its key function.
Although this is happening right under the nose of the management, nothing has been done to minimise or stop the exploitation of these vital resources by irresponsible officers.
Therefore, it is now time for the CS management to take proactive measures towards the problem experienced over the years and get its house in order.
Enough of entertaining free riders and opportunists within the department.

BA, Madfox