30 Jul 2020

Botswana Prison Service has been praised for its decision to build a centre for rehabilitation of prisoners.

 Touring the project site in Lobatse on Tuesday, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Kagiso Mmusi described the move as a good development.

The centre is planned for construction at the site of the old mental hospital and would be built through public pivate partnership.

Mr Mmusi pointed out that facilities available at the site would make the process of converting it into a rehabilitation centre easy.

“I am confident we will achieve our objective looking at the buildings that are already here. The place has many rooms that used to accommodate both men and women, and a lot of facilities such as kitchens and washing blocks where laundry could be done. There is also a sports facility which inmates can exercise,” said the minister.

Though some of the buildings were currently dilapidated after lying dormant for many years, Mr Mmusi stated that they would be restored to productive state with proper engineering guidance. 

“The commissioner has told me that they want the rehabilitation centre to be able to prepare inmates for reintegration back to the society,” Mr Mmusi said. 

Prisons commissioner, Colonel Silas Motlalekgosi explained that tender for procurement of transaction advisory services for the project had already been awarded. 

Preparations were ongoing for contract signing, he said. 

Colonel Motlalekgosi said  the project would include the rehabilitation facility itself as well as housing. 

“The centre will offer prisoners the opportunity to undergo comprehensive rehabilitation through participation in programmes such as case management and behaviour modification in a conducive environment,” explained the commissioner.

The prisons boss said his organisation acquired the premises in 2009 from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Ends