Gwanda prison to relocate

THE Zimbabwe Prison Service (ZPS) is proposing to relocate Gwanda Prison complex to another site that the institution acquired during the land reform programme, Bulawayo24 has heard. 
In an interview, Senior Assistant Commissioner and Officer Commanding Matabeleland Region, Mr Rhodes Moyo, said plans were on the pipeline to relocate the old Gwanda prison to a bigger piece of land.
Gwanda Prison got a farmland located outside the town where ZPS is mooting to build a new prison at the same time engaging in various farming activities. 
"If the proposal is passed the old prison will be used to house prisoners who will be on remand while the new one will be used to cater for the convicted ones," he said.
He highlighted that the programme was hampered by lack of infrastructure at the proposed site.
"The problem is that there is no infrastructure, water and other essentials at the new site and we really need it if this plan is going to succeed," said Senior Assistant Commissioner Moyo.
He added that by relocating Gwanda prison to the farmland would make it easier for ZPS to carry out farming activities. 
The senior assistant commissioner said the Gwanda prison was currently undergoing repairs.
The prison was now dilapidated after going for years without any major repairs.