Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Nobert Mazunguni said the government intends to build a smart prison in Gwanda with a capacity of 1,300 prisoners as part of efforts to ease congestion in the prison.
President Mnangagwa recently said that the modernization and transformation of the country’s prisons and correctional services is at the heart of the Second Republic’s development agenda in line with international standards aimed at promoting inclusivity and enhancing the contribution of these entities to broader economic growth.
Speaking during a familiarization tour of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) facility in Gwanda last Thursday, Deputy Minister Mazunguni said upgrading the prisons to smart prisons is part of the rehabilitation process adopted by the government in line with international prison standards. and management trends.
The project is part of the government’s efforts to modernize prisons operating on infrastructure built in the early 20th century. Gwanda Prison was built in 1910.
The envisaged modern Gowanda Prison will be located on the site of the new Gowanda Prison Farm.
Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Nobert Mazungoni interacts with officials during a tour of Gwanda Prison
“Under the 2024 budget, the government has allocated funds to build a smart prison in Gwanda. This is a very important project because it will help address the problem of decongesting the prison,” said Deputy Minister Mazungonyi.
“The project is expected to start this year. The smart prison concept will be replicated in other regions and provinces in the country.
Deputy Minister Mazungonyi said the project was part of the government’s efforts to improve the welfare of prisoners.
“As much as people are imprisoned, they remain human beings and therefore should be housed in decent facilities and should be treated properly.
“I admire the mood I saw being displayed “The prisoners here showed that there are good relations between inmates and officers,” he said.
DeputyMinister Mazunguni, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms Vimbai Nyyimba and ZPCS Commissioner-General, Moses Chihobvu, will conduct an orientation tour of the correctional facilities in Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo Urban District and the Ntabazinduna Training School.
On Thursday, the Deputy Minister visited Gwanda Prison, Gwanda Prison Farm and Gwanda District Court.
He took the opportunity to interact with inmates and prison staff. On Wednesday he visited Beitbridge Prison.
Deputy Minister Mazungonyi said that his visit so far has helped familiarize him with the challenges facing prisons, such as overcrowding, staff housing, and others.
He said prisons have a correctional and rehabilitative role to play and hence ZPCS is fulfilling its mandate through various self-development projects. Deputy Minister Mazungonyi said the diverse set of skills imparted to prisoners will help prisoners reintegrate into society after their release.
Deputy Minister Mazungonyi also addressed the prison officers at the Gwanda District Club and urged them to maintain integrity in their operations.
He also expressed concern about cases of drug abuse reported to be widespread among prison officers.
“Let us remain disciplined as officers of the ZPCS. I have received with concern reports of drug abuse within our prisons. Let us stop such activities and maintain integrity,” said Deputy Minister Mazungonyi.
“Let us walk together with our leader President Mnangagwa and share his vision to secure a future for generations to come.”
Deputy Minister Mazungoni assured the Gwanda prison inmates that the government remains committed to addressing their welfare. Chronicle
