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Storm destroys prison roofs at Whawha
1 hr ago |
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Sections of Whawha Medium Prison and the adjacent Young Offenders' Prison suffered extensive roof damage after a hailstorm swept through the area on Sunday, worsening already strained accommodation conditions at the correctional facilities.
The latest incident adds to a series of similar hailstorms that have battered the prison complex over the past three years, repeatedly damaging infrastructure and forcing authorities to decommission cells. Prison officials are now assessing the extent of the damage and considering urgent remedial measures.
Officer Commanding Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Midlands Province, Commissioner Somemore Gate, said the situation had become increasingly difficult to manage.
"It is unfortunate that we continue to experience such incidents. The complex has a carrying capacity of 1 600 inmates, and currently we have over 1 400 inmates," Gate said. "The decommissioning of some cells as a result of the hailstorm means we have to find alternative accommodation for the offenders. We need assistance as of yesterday if we are to keep our prisoners in a dignified manner."
According to prison authorities, 18 cells with a combined holding capacity of about 350 inmates have been decommissioned following successive hailstorms that have struck the complex in recent years, significantly reducing available space.
Government officials say a disaster management strategy is now being put in place to address the recurring damage and broader infrastructure challenges at the prison complex.
"We will be engaging the Central Protection Unit and getting them to come up with a tangible action plan," said Mr Kosheni Mtisi, Director for Economic Affairs and Investment in the Office of the President and Cabinet. "We are also going to engage the necessary stakeholders and take comprehensive action to deal with the issue of infrastructure at the prison complex. We are determined to give decent accommodation to offenders in line with Vision 2030."
The repeated weather-related damage has raised concerns about the resilience of prison infrastructure and the capacity of correctional services to cope with extreme weather events, as authorities work to balance security requirements with the need to uphold humane living conditions for inmates.
The latest incident adds to a series of similar hailstorms that have battered the prison complex over the past three years, repeatedly damaging infrastructure and forcing authorities to decommission cells. Prison officials are now assessing the extent of the damage and considering urgent remedial measures.
Officer Commanding Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Midlands Province, Commissioner Somemore Gate, said the situation had become increasingly difficult to manage.
"It is unfortunate that we continue to experience such incidents. The complex has a carrying capacity of 1 600 inmates, and currently we have over 1 400 inmates," Gate said. "The decommissioning of some cells as a result of the hailstorm means we have to find alternative accommodation for the offenders. We need assistance as of yesterday if we are to keep our prisoners in a dignified manner."
According to prison authorities, 18 cells with a combined holding capacity of about 350 inmates have been decommissioned following successive hailstorms that have struck the complex in recent years, significantly reducing available space.
Government officials say a disaster management strategy is now being put in place to address the recurring damage and broader infrastructure challenges at the prison complex.
"We will be engaging the Central Protection Unit and getting them to come up with a tangible action plan," said Mr Kosheni Mtisi, Director for Economic Affairs and Investment in the Office of the President and Cabinet. "We are also going to engage the necessary stakeholders and take comprehensive action to deal with the issue of infrastructure at the prison complex. We are determined to give decent accommodation to offenders in line with Vision 2030."
The repeated weather-related damage has raised concerns about the resilience of prison infrastructure and the capacity of correctional services to cope with extreme weather events, as authorities work to balance security requirements with the need to uphold humane living conditions for inmates.
Source - ZBC
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