NEW: New Gwanda prison takes shape

Online Reporter

Government has set aside $300 million dollars to undertake an environmental impact assessment on the site where a new $2 billion prison complex is set to be constructed in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.

The proposed 320-cellblock prison complex is envisaged to address overcrowding at Gwanda Prison, which Government says is compromising the rights and health of inmates.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs permanent secretary, Mrs Virginia Mabhiza, said the project was taking shape.

“Currently, the project is at the feasibility study stage.

“A benchmarking and familiarisation tour was conducted at the site and at Khami Maximum Prison by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) infrastructure planning and development officers,” said the permanent secretary.

She said the project is “still in the design stage”, while procurement of construction material will be done in due course.

Mrs Mabhiza said Government will soon engage architects for the building plans.

“No contractor or architect has been contracted to come up with plan drawings as of now.

“The contractor will be engaged upon recommendation by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works design team if they do not have the capacity to come up with plan drawings.”

The $300 million is expected to cater for civil works (environmental impact assessment, topographical survey, and a sewer pond).