Problems at CS blamed on neglect

By Glenda Awikiak
THE situation faced by the Correctional Service is the result of years of neglect, says Commissioner Michael Waipo.
Waipo said staff quarters and prisons badly need maintenance and repairs. Officers too need uniforms, he said.
“Our situation currently is a result of years of neglect. And we have to deliver correctional service with what is available to us. Our staff have to face these challenges daily and is a concern for us at the moment.”
Waipo was commenting on investigations into the breakout and shooting dead of inmates at Buimo Prison in Lae. There has been at least one prison break-out since 2015. The latest was in July this year.
International human rights groups have repeatedly called for an inquiry into Papua New Guinea jails, citing concerns about overcrowding, limited access to medical treatment and delays in court proceedings.
Waipo said they were
addressing issues such as manpower.
“We have identified 19 officers to fill positions at Buimo. They will be officers from headquarters and training institutions,” he said.
“We won’t be transferring officers from other institutions as it will affect their manpower there.”
He said the lack of manpower was the biggest challenge.
“We are looking at building staff dormitories for the officers we will be bringing into Lae. There is not enough officers at Buimo to look after the 1025 inmates.
“This puts a lot of pressure on the officers,” he said.