Supported by the Community Initiative Development Association (CIDA) and UNMISS funding, the project aims to strengthen human rights and the rule of law.
The new facility will include a single-block building with four external latrines, expected to be completed within five months.
However, Magwi Prison Director Christina Luka John raised concerns about the design, citing inadequate ventilation, high windows, and the placement of the administrative block within the prison.
“The blueprint of this house shows one room constructed like a store with its windows very high. This is not safe for the prisoners. The four wards also lack toilets, hence it will affect the lives of those in the prison. The administrative block is also inside the prison; the doors are inside the prison. We need the administrative block to be separated from the inmates’ prisons,” said Christina.
Christina suggested separating the administrative area and adding internal toilets to improve conditions.
UNMISS Head of Delegation Hillary Sengabo defended the blueprint, stating it was approved by the government and National Prison Service, making changes unfeasible at this stage.
“The design of the project was done in consultation with all these people I have mentioned, including the National Prison Service, so they know about the configuration, the design and the construction itself. They saw it and they approved. So we cannot change at this time,” he said.
“Everything has been agreed upon. The design and everything, it was agreed, and we are now to start implementing. We cannot change,” he added.
The facility is designed to reduce overcrowding and improve sanitation, creating a safer and healthier environment for inmates.
Magrete John Keji, CIDA’s Executive Director, emphasised that the prison will enhance access to justice and community well-being.
“We felt the need to build and sustain the capacity of the community institutions to participate strongly in building resilient community and national involvement and acceptance of diversity,” said Magrete.
The project also aims to address gaps in the justice system, including human rights violations and slow court proceedings that contribute to prison congestion.
Abdallah Hassen, Director General for Local Government and Law Enforcement, highlighted the prison’s potential to improve inmate safety and health through better ventilation and space. He advocated for a reformative approach to equip inmates with skills.
Paramount Chief Ojara Aldo Aquilino noted that the prison, alongside a recently installed borehole and a new B-Court, will help reduce escapes and improve security.
“The prisoners used to escape from inside because there is no proper fence. Others escape when they go to fetch water. However, this has reduced with the bringing of a borehole inside the fence and with this construction, I think this will also reduce,” said Ojara.
UNMISS Field Officer Matiseto Masala urged the community to protect the facility, emphasising teamwork to meet commitments.
“There’s a lot of commitments that have been made by the government, by the community,” said Matiseto, adding, “We need to work as a team to ensure these commitments are actually met.”
The Quick Impact Project also includes renovating the Pageri administrative block and building a school in Keripi, further supporting governance and infrastructure in the region.
