admin
In an interview on the sidelines of the 144th ZPS pass-out parade at Ntabazinduna Prison Training School Rtd Major Gen Zimondi said there was a need to upgrade the country’s prisons to match international standards.
He, however, said ZPS was unable to meet some of the requirements because of numerous constraints.
“Although it is Government policy to upgrade the prisons in the country, we are unable to do that because of a shortage of funding. At the moment there are no funds to do that,” said Rtd Maj Gen Zimondi.
“We have resorted to prioritising provision of pressing needs such as feeding the inmates, their clothing, bedding, toiletries and medication.”
He, however, could not say how much was needed to finance the upgrading exercise.
Rtd Maj Gen Zimondi said there was a need to rehabilitate dilapidated infrastructure, improve sanitation, provide vehicles for officers and perk up the general working conditions and welfare of officers and inmates.
“Under normal circumstances ZPS requires a staff complement of 10 000 officers but at the moment we only have about 8 000. We also need to adopt the use of modern Information and Communication Technologies and boost our services but we have no budget for that.
“Our plan is to thrive for self-sufficiency rather than relying on the fiscus. We have skilled personnel and labour and workshops but lack funding. We got the land but do not have sufficient input support and equipment,” said Rtd Major Gen Zimondi.
“If we could get adequate assistance in these projects we would be able to boost our cash inflows. We want the inmates to learn survival skills that they would use when they go back to society. We also consider venturing into mining but we cannot do that alone. We need partners who would work with us.”
Meanwhile, Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu, who was the guest of honour, commissioned a borehole that he donated to the school.
The commandant of the school, Assistant Commissioner George Denya expressed gratitude to Minister Mpofu, saying the donation would enhance operations at the school.
“We always have water shortages here especially when there is no electricity or due to problems with Zinwa. This borehole will provide us back-up in times of crisis. It will also allow us to do garden projects and assist the surrounding community as well,” said Asst Comm Denya.
Online Reporter