Water woes forcing prison to transfer 168 inmates

THE 168 inmates at the Buiebi prison in Southern Highlands will be transferred to other prisons in the Highlands region because of a water supply problem.
Acting prison commander Fred Kipa said they were totally dependent on rain water after the water pump was damaged during the February earthquake.
“For the time being, we are depending on rainwater,” Kipa said.
“When it doesn’t rain, we have no water.
“We have already received clearance to transfer the detainees.”
Kipa said the prison did not have any alternative water supply or a reserve water pump to supply water to the prison.
The prison was one of the government facilities damaged during the earthquake.
“We have received food rations, aid and clothes” he said.
“But we urgently need the water pump station to be rebuilt.
“Otherwise we will have to transfer the detainees when it stops raining or when the dry season begins.”