New Karonga prison in the pipeline

Malawi Prison Service says it plans to construct a new prison in Iponga,  Karonga as one way to ease congestion at the district’s old correctional facility.

Malawi Prisons Service spokesperson Chimwemwe Shaba said on Wednesday that the current prison accommodates over 80 prisoners against the recommended capacity of 50.

He said increasing infrastructure capacity is one of the interventions government has embarked on to address congestion in the country’s prison.

Shaba said besides increasing infrastructure capacity, the government is working on introducing extended community services and a gradual conditional and monitored parole of prisoners serving sentences for non-violent crimes.

He said parole would be made possible once the Correctional Services Bill is passed.

“We are waiting for the Correction Bill which, if passed, will give the President and a board powers to parole prisoners,” said Shaba.

Karonga Prison officer-in-charge, Superintendent Emily Banda said congestion at Karonga Prison has led to food and uniform shortages and compromised sanitation and hygiene.

Lack of space at the facility has led to remandees being moved to Chitipa Prison, a situation that resulted in delays in court appearances.

Banda said while they are waiting for the new prison, a new block of three cells is being constructed at Karonga Prison.

“We are at window level and we need K15 million to complete the structure. We are appealing to well-wishers to support us,” she said.