Prison officers want government to build more quarters

OFFICERS at Bomana prison in Port Moresby are urging the Government to build more quarters for them, especially those married but still staying in single quarters.
Acting commanding officer Yelly Oiufa said most married officers were still living with their families in the singles barracks after serving there for more than 20 years.
“They have the right to privacy and the proper upbringing of children in their home, not in the barracks meant for single officers,” Oiufa said.
“It contributes to stress, frustration and eventually lead to low productivity.”
He said the primary role of warders was to “provide a safe, secure and humane containment for detainees in our custody”.
“In addition, we have to provide rehabilitation programmes – physical or spiritual – to help detainees integrate back into society after their release,” Oiufa said.
“I have 230 male and female officers working at Bomana which is higher than any other prisons around the country.
“Nearly all are married with children. But I can only provide proper accommodation to half while the other half are cramped in singles barracks.
“I cannot expect them to perform their duties to the maximum when proper accommodation is not provided.”
He suggests that the Government increases the Correctional Service annual budget to build new homes and renovate old ones.