Govt. releases K17.5Million for expansion of prison cells

Government has released K17.5 million for the Cell Expansion Programme and building of new juvenile and female prisons.

 

In October last year, the Zambia Prisons Service disclosed that government was going to embark on a cell expansion programme and building of juvenile and female prisons to reduce on the current problem of congestion being faced in prisons.

 

Zambia Prisons Service Public Relations Manager Stephen Kagoli has told ZANIS in an interview that the cell expansion programme and the building of juvenile and female prisons are on course.

 

Mr.Kagoli said under the cell expansion programme, government is building two more dormitories at Mukobeko Maximum Prison that will have 300 holding space.

 

He said Milima Prison in Kasama is also being rehabilitated and eight cells are being built while four are being renovated including the fence and sewer system.

 

Mr. Kagoli explained that new Mongu Prison is almost complete and is expected to be opened in the second quarter of this year.

 

He also said plans to build female maximum prisons in Mongu, Kaoma and Mwembeshi are under way while two female cells will soon be completed in Chingola.

 

Mr. Kagoli further said a juvenile prison is also under construction in Mwense.

 

Meanwhile, Mr. Kagoli has said the Prisons Service last month distributed blankets, uniforms and mattress to all prisons across the country.