CS looks to modernise prisons as reforms take shape

Papua New Guinea’s Correctional Service says it is ready to tackle long-standing issues such as overcrowding, rehabilitation, aging infrastructure, and staff capacity as it moves into the new year.

Acting CS Commissioner Bernard Nepo shared this message in his Christmas address to CS staff, their families and prisoners around the country.

He said 2025 exposed deep challenges within the service, but also gave clear direction for change, supported by renewed government backing and strong internal commitment.

Mr Nepo said Correctional Service is one government agency that has carried many legacy issues for years, with little or no attention given to them.

With only days remaining before the new year, he said CS is focused on improving services, infrastructure and staff capability moving forward.

Mr Nepo said the service has been confronted by these challenges for a long time and is now looking to change direction through the introduction of the Smart Prison Concept, which aims to modernise prisons across the country. The concept forms part of the 2025–2030 CS Strategic Plan, which is expected to be launched next month.

“We are now trying to address CS issues, not from the normal traditional setting, but we are now leaning forward, and that is to modernize all prisons,” Nepo said.

“It is through the new Smart Prison concept that it is going around in the awareness process. The smart person can address all those legacy issues, the issues of overcrowding, the issues of mass escape, the issues of rehabilitation, and this time around, will be more structured and overcrowding will be addressed once and for all, with the capacity to hold over 1000 inmates,” Nepo explained.

The Acting Commissioner also highlighted that the government has allocated K5 million in the 2026 budget to begin the reconstruction of the CS headquarters. He said plans are also in place for new classroom facilities and improved prison infrastructure to ease pressure on overcrowded institutions.

Mr Nepo said the reforms now underway mark a turning point for Correctional Service, paving the way for a more secure, humane and modern correctional system in the years ahead.