Judge: Improve detention centres

By JAYNE SAFIHAO
A JUDGE has ordered government authorities in Madang to assist the police and correctional services in improving conditions in detention centres.
Resident judge Justice David Cannings has given a list of things to be fixed in the jail and police cells by the end of the month, to comply with constitutional requirements on the respect of basic human rights.
The orders are for the CS commissioner and Beon jail commander, police and the Jomba police station commander.
They are required to improve health and hygiene levels at the jail and police cells to an acceptable level.
Cannings said the rights of any person detained in future at those two places had to be respected.
There is the right to be free from inhuman treatment under certain sections of the constitution.
He ordered that at the Beon jail:
l    Water supply be restored, and the sewer system repaired;
l    Ablution blocks be cleaned out thoroughly;
l    Ablution facilities to be operational;
l    Four new 2,000-gallon water tanks be installed;
l    Bed and blankets to be supplied to all prisoners including treated mosquito nets;
l    All cell blocks to be fly screened; and
l    Water supply and septic system in the female compound to be given special attention.
In Jomba, Cannings ordered that sewerage and waste be pumped out and the cells be cleaned up.
He also wants the station commander to ensure that all ablution facilities are in working order including showers and toilets. Two new 2,000 gallon water tanks should also be installed at the lock-up.
The provincial health advisor, the health inspector and the Madang urban LLG will check on the work carried out.
He has ordered the finance secretary to provide funding of K150,000 each to the two departments to carry out the “clean-up”.
The jail commander, Jomba police station commander, provincial health advisor and Water PNG branch manager are summoned to the court on Aug 10 to give a report of what they have done.