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Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
Modern prisons are to be built in Gwanda, Matabeleland South and Hurungwe, Mashonaland West, as Government continues to push towards aligning Zimbabwe’s prisons with international standards, prioritising inclusivity and humane conditions.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu yesterday said the modernisation drive seeks to tackle the long-standing issue of overcrowding and improve living conditions for inmates.
“We are committed to creating a more rehabilitative environment, focusing on the reintegration of offenders into society,” he said.
With feasibility studies already completed, the building of the replacement structures is now poised to enter its second phase, paving the way for groundbreaking ceremonies in the two provinces.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, previously said the development was sending a clear message that the Government prioritises human rights and the dignity of all citizens, including those in correctional facilities.
Zimbabwe has been experiencing challenges in its prisons, with the number of inmates swelling beyond the designed carrying capacity.
At present, the 47 prisons are holding in excess of 24 000 inmates against a designed capacity of 17 000, which creates shortages in food as well as bedding and educational facilities.
Zimbabweans have welcomed the initiative of constructing modern correctional facilities, saying collective responsibility was key to ensuring successful implementation of the programme.
Mr Tafirei Mafuva of Warren Park 1, Harare, said private sector, civil society and faith-based organisations should complement the ZPCS efforts.
“The Government alone cannot do it. Decongesting prison facilities curbs spreading of diseases and calls on all of us to come on board in our varied ways,” he said.
Mrs Sandra Nhekairo of Kuwadzana, also in Harare, weighed in, saying the initiative will improve conditions in correctional facilities. “We are grateful for such initiatives, which will help in improving standards at our prisons, in line with global trends,” she said.
One of the inmates at Hurungwe Farm Prison, Brendon Ngwenya, welcomed the initiative, highlighting that it will go a long way in arresting the spread of diseases owing to poor hygienic conditions.
Last year, SADC conducted a regional workshop for prison services in South Africa where harmonisation of policies and legislation for corrections, prisons and penitentiary services were discussed.
The aim of the workshop was to share ideas on how African countries could strengthen the capacity of correctional institutions.
Online Reporter