By GINNAH MINI
THE Papua New Guinea Correctional Service (PNGCS) has presented a K4 million cheque to the Enga Provincial Government to complete work on the Mukurumanda Correctional Services facility, paving the way for its opening.
The Mukurumanda facility is expected to accommodate up to 80 low-risk prisoners when it opens in early September this year.
Speaking to the media at the PNGCS headquarters, Enga Provincial Administration Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social Services, Henry Kapao, said the provincial administration was looking forward to working with PNGCS to ensure the facility becomes operational.
“The Mukurumanda CS project is 28 years old and we haven’t opened it yet, and we haven’t had prisoners yet,” Mr Kapao said.
He said several issues had contributed to delays in completing the project.
Mr Kapao also said PNGCS had previously contributed K2 million towards the project, but the funds were not received by the provincial administration.
He assured the PNGCS Commissioner that, as the recipient of the latest K4 million funding, the provincial administration would ensure the money was used for the intended project.
Once operational, the facility will allow prisoners from Enga Province to remain closer to home instead of being transferred to Baisu Correctional Institution in Western Highlands Province.
PNGCS Commissioner Noel Sarie said the service was working on transferring remandees from Baisu to Enga.
“This is the way forward now for us to open the jail and for the province to have access to the type of service that Correctional Services provides for the people of this country,” Commissioner Sarie said.
He said the immediate priorities for the contractor would include completing the perimeter fencing, gates and two security towers.
“We must contribute towards keeping our country safe and keeping our province safe by putting those who are in conflict with the law in their rightful place,” Commissioner Sarie said.