PRIME Minister James Marape said the commissioning of the Mukurumanda Correctional Service Facility (CS) in Enga Province marked a significant milestone in strengthening the Law and Justice Sector in the province, particularly after decades of challenges involving tribal fighting, violence and other law and order problems.
PM Marape made that statement yesterday during the opening of the correctional facility in Enga Province.
Mukurumanda Correctional Facility was opened after 28 years of closure and the Prime Minister expressed regret over the lengthy delays, saying the people of Enga deserved access to essential Government institutions that supported justice, peace and development.
“The fullest chain of Law and Justice Sector work is not complete without a functional Correctional Service that rehabilitates citizens and puts them back into society as good men and women who become part of the community again,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape stressed that effective policing, courts, village courts and correctional institutions must work together to maintain peace and uphold the rule of law.
He said Mukurumanda would also help address the longstanding situation where prisoners from Enga were accommodated in Correctional Facilities in neighbouring Provinces.
Prime Minister Marape has described the Official Opening and Commissioning of the Mukurumanda Correctional Facility in Enga Province as a historic achievement, fulfilling a development vision first initiated in 1987 by the late Sir Pato Kakaraya, pioneer Member of Parliament for Wapenamanda.
“Today we have a historic moment,” Mr. Marape declared.
He paid special tribute to the late Sir Pato Kakaraya, who initiated the Project in 1987, acknowledging his foresight in recognising the importance of establishing a Correctional Institution in Enga.
The Prime Minister opened the long-awaited facility yesterday before a huge gathering of people, including traditional leaders, landowners, churches, government officials and members of the Correctional Services.