The Fiji Corrections Service deputy commissioner Mr Akuila Namakadre said the overcrowding in prisons has been a long standing issue over the years and the development of a new remand centre will be a long term cost effective investment.
“In 2010, there were 1018 prisoners while in 2011, 162. We had to look at the treatment of these prisoners,” Mr Namakadre said.
Plans for a new remand centre developed two years ago with discussions and consultations with stakeholders and Government. A $4.5 million project was approved in the 2011 budget however, earth work started in the fourth quarter with an investment of $10. 4million.
Today, a groundbreaking ceremony for a new remand centre for Suva will give address overcrowding issues in Prisons.
The Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Government had contracted the project to a private company placing emphasis on private partnership.
“The Prime Minister had in the past highlighted the importance of private sector participation in capital works. We expect good quality so that more private participation is included,” Acting PM said.
A Jan Group - Western Builders will be completing the project in 8 months which will cater as a multipurpose facility for immigration detainees and a capacity for 200 inmates (young offenders) with 56 officers mending the facility.
-End-