Prison safe for now but aftershocks still a worry

Rebecca Kuku
PRISON authorities in Southern Highlands are concerned about the safety of the 82 inmates at Buiebi prison as aftershocks continue in the area.
Prison commander Bob Omba said there were 46 convicted people and 36 on remand.
“There was a landslide that came in the prison compound but no one was hurt,” he said.
“Our water pump house was damaged and the prison compound sustained some cracks. But the building is still okay.
“Our generator is also down and half the prison compound is in darkness.”
Omba said their food stock was okay and they had water in the standby tanks.
He said they were closely monitoring the situation and planned to move the inmates to Mt Hagen if the earthquake caused more damage to the prison.
“We have two vehicles on standby to transfer them if necessary,” he said.
“Otherwise, we have already brought in a building inspector to check the cracks.
“He said the buildings were still okay and the prisoners can remain in their cell.”