Tractors for prison projects

 By JOSEPH ANUT

THE Papua New Guinea Correctional Services has received three tractors and a vehicle from Australia for its Prison Industries Programme.

The tractors and vehicle cost K413,000 and are part of a larger programme of AusAID development assistance given in 2013 through the PNG-Australia Law and Justice Partnership. 

It is to assist the rehabilitation of detainees by providing  skills they can use upon their eventual release.

Minister Counsellor, Development Cooperation at the Australian High Commission James Hall said: “This will help detainees break the cycle of reoffending through productive employment.

“The tractors will assist correctional facilities at Buimo (Morobe), Kerevat (East New Britain) and the central Bomana Prison outside Port Moresby boost their vegetable and other farming programmes which are the major focus of the new prison industries programme.

“This year the partnership is providing K2 million for improving prison industries as part of a K3.7 million package, which also includes important improvements to health standards for detainees and promotes a closer relationship between Papua New Guinea and Queensland Department of Corrective Services,” Hall said.