Vanimo CS facility overcrowded

Prisoners in one of the prison blocks that houses more than 100 men (NBC News: Cynthia Maku)

Detainees at the Vanimo Correctional Institution Service have raised concerns of overcrowding in the cell blocks they are assigned in.

Their concerns have been addressed to NBC news by the CS Commander in Vanimo Superintendent Michael Auriap, stating this issue has been ongoing for a couple of years now without consideration from the CS Headquarters

"This situation of overcrowding is an issue that needs to be addressed by the Corrections Institution Headquarters in Port Moresby. They have to work with Provincial Administration and Government to help build infrastructure and address many other issues faced at the Provincial Corrective Institution Service.",

Vanimo CS Commander Superintendent Michael Auriap says the cell blocks built back in the 1980s can only cater for around 100 detainees.

Prisoners outside their cell block drying their towels on the grass (NBC News: Cynthia Maku)

However, it is not the case today as more than 100 detainees are now squeezing in the small cell blocks.

The need to build a new cell block has been granted by the Sandaun Provincial Administration to build a 100 men cell block but the Acting Advisor for National Function in the Province Paul Jimmy says no feedback has been received from the CS Headquarters to start work.

In addition to overcrowding, CS Commander Auriap says Vanimo CIS has run down facilities with perimeter and detainees fencing all falling apart

He added it is a matter that needs attention from the CS headquarters.

Currently, there are a total of 180 prisoners, including 117 men who have committed various crimes such as murder and rape, 56 in remand, 6 juveniles, and 5 women.

The majority of the convicts are serving sentences of over 10 years for serious offenses, including murder and rape, with one serving a life sentence.