Hawa CS gets K3m expansion funding

The Hela Provincial Government has released K3 million to continue construction work at the Hawa Correctional Service facility, the second tranche of funding for the project.

Governor Philip Undialu confirmed the release on Wednesday, stating that a total of K10 million has been committed for the development of Hawa CS, which will become the second Highlands Regional Correctional Centre.

"Hawa Correctional Service will have three new facilities that will increase capacity, enhance security, and focus on rehabilitation and skills development. The facilities are for high risk, juvenile, and female inmates. Upon completion, holding capacity will increase from current 50 inmates to between 200 - 300 inmates," he said.

Work is currently underway across all three new blocks.

The female wing is progressing with construction of the second storey while Juvenile block has completed first-floor brickwork and is now moving to the second level and the High Risk section has finished ground backfilling and is preparing beam structures and concrete works.

Governor Undialu said over the past three years, the provincial government, in partnership with the National Government, has invested more than K20 million into Hawa CS, with further funding to continue through ongoing activities.

The next phase of the project will shift focus to rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

"Plans are in place to construct a Technical Vocational Education Training and FODE centre at the correctional service. The goal is to ensure prisoners are not merely incarcerated, but are rehabilitated, trained, and equipped with practical skills to return to their communities as productive and responsible citizens," he said.

A proper church facility will also be built within the institution to provide moral guidance, counseling, and spiritual rehabilitation.

The completed facility will feature modern security systems including CCTV surveillance, alarm systems, magnetic doors, secure watchtowers, and separate accommodation for convicted prisoners and remandees.