Inmates in Vanimo raise concerns over unconducive living environment

Prisoners detained at the Vanimo Corrective Institute Service [CIS] have raised concerns based on humanitarian rights, stating they have been living in conditions not suitable.

With a deteriorating state of buildings in the prison cell blocks and overcrowding being experienced starting last year may likely spread airborne disease within the cell block.

Benroy Apet a long-term inmate who served for almost 15 years in Vanimo CIS said they the condition they live is total unhealthy.

"We are human beings just like any other human beings. We have the right to live in conditions that is suitable for humans to live in. It doesn't mean that I am a prisoner and all my rights have been taken away from me, I have a right as a citizen of this Nation," Apet said.

From the female detainees wing they also experiencing similar situation.

"The building we are living in is very old and shakes when we walk around in the building. The posts are decaying and will fall anything. Our fencing too is falling apart and if any female inmates who wishes to escape will easily do that," Inmate Magdalene Lasi said.

Meanwhile, calls have been made by the Vanimo CS Commander Superintendent Michael Auriap for assistance from the Provincial Government and Correctional Institute Headquarters in Port Moresby to help assist the issue they are facing

The Sandaun Provincial Government and Administration have responded to build a one hundred men cell block.

Vanimo CS Commander Auriap says they are currently waiting for the Correctional Institute Headquarters in Port Moresby to give the plan for the 100 men cell block in order to start work.