Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT is rolling out several transformative projects aimed at improving the general conditions and welfare of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) staff, including the construction of houses across all stations in the country and rehabilitation programmes for inmates.
To alleviate accommodation challenges being faced by prison officers, the Government is constructing houses for ZPCS staff comprising two-roomed and four-roomed housing units and flats.
The houses will be constructed by the ZPCS construction unit and trained prison inmates while the Department of Public Works will play an oversight role.
Already, some houses are under construction at the Gwanda Prison Camp following Government intervention last year with more houses expected to be built.
Officiating at the 150th recruit correctional officers’ pass-out parade at Ntabazinduna Prison Training School recently, President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic remains committed to accelerating infrastructure development across many correctional facilities and also improving the general conditions and welfare of ZPCS staff including effectively capacitating the operations of the organisation to ensure it executes its mandate to the highest expected levels.
The President exhorted the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to prioritise the construction and completion of outstanding staff accommodation.
He said prison and correctional service officers and their families deserve access to institutional accommodation, contributing to improved standards of living.
Already, the Government has approved the construction of modern state-of-the-art correctional facilities in Gwanda in Matabeleland South, and Hurungwe in Mashonaland West provinces.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Deputy Minister Nobert Mazungunye who is on a tour of correctional facilities in Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, and Bulawayo provinces, together with ZPCS Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu and Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, said Government intervention will go a long way in easing accommodation challenges.
He was speaking during a tour of Gwanda Prison yesterday.
Our stations countrywide have a challenge of accommodation especially for our officers. We are happy that the budget for 2024 has provision for us to build houses in all the stations and hence we have organised our construction team which we can utilise to build houses for the staff,” said Deputy Minister Mazungunye.
“This construction unit can also work hand in hand with Public Works which will be coming to inspect the work that we would have done. The actual building will however, be done by our construction unit.”
Deputy Minister Mazungunye said Government is also equipping ZPCS officers with skills and training to ensure that they are productive and able to proffer solutions to problems.
“The Government that you have values you and is concerned with your welfare. We know that for you to deliver the best performance at work you need resources and you need to be coming from decent homes and this is what we are addressing,” he said.
Comm Gen Chihobvu said prison inmates will also take part in the construction as part of the rehabilitation process.
Zimbabwe’s focus has changed to the correctional aspect as opposed to the punitive and retributive approach synonymous with the colonial era.
Comm Gen Chihobvu said they have also managed to train several inmates and correctional officers.
“At the Gwanda Prison camp, we have so far constructed six houses and they are almost complete. This is just the beginning as more houses will be built. This is a clear indication that Government is concerned with the welfare of prison staff and we are grateful,” he said.
Mrs Nyemba urged prison officers to continue developing themselves professionally and academically, saying it will help enhance their competencies and broaden their perspectives on different societies, cultures and correctional systems.
She also encouraged the ZPCS to embrace innovative ideas and technologies that can enhance their work.
“Our world is rapidly changing and we must keep abreast of advancements that can improve efficiency, safety and overall well-being of both officers and inmates. By harnessing the power of technology and incorporating it into our correctional system, we can continue to build a stronger and more resilient society,” said Mrs Nyemba.
“Let’s, therefore, think outside the box wherever you are and come up with innovative ways of commercialising our rehabilitation activities which can assist also in revenue generation.”
In line with Vision 2030 targets, President Mnangagwa recently said his administration continues to invest in human capital development, which has witnessed several correctional officers benefiting under the Presidential Scholarship Programme.
On Tuesday, the delegation visited Beitbridge Prison during which Deputy Minister Mazungunye expressed Government’s appreciation for the crucial role played by ZPCS in the pursuit of justice.
He acknowledged the ministry’s responsibility to ensure justice is served throughout the country, highlighting ZPCS as a vital component in achieving this goal.
The Deputy Minister praised the rehabilitation programmes implemented by the ZPCS in the border town, which include a piggery and goat-rearing project.
He also acknowledged the challenges facing the Beitbridge Prison, particularly the issue of overcrowding and the need to address human capital concerns.
The delegation toured newly constructed staff houses, pig and goat-rearing projects, and also witnessed the implementation of a car-washing project at the correctional facility.–@DubeMatutu
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Bongani Ndlovu