Sanctions hindering prison construction – official

Bindura (Nehanda Guardia-New Ziana) – Financial constraints resulting from sanctions are hindering the construction of two more open prisons, a ZANU PF politburo member told prisoners and their friends and families gathered at Bindura Prison recently.

Kenneth Musanhi, ZANU PF Politburo member, said government was eager to construct open prisons in Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces before 2030.

The two prisons, if constructed, will see Zimbabwe having three open prisons, including the famous Connemara Open Prison in Midlands.

Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) on Saturday commemorated the 11th edition of Africa Prisons and Correctional Services day at Bindura and Guruve Prisons in Mashonaland Central.

Musanhi said had it not been for sanctions, work on the prisons would have commenced.

The politburo member hailed ZPCS for commemorating the day that he said gave opportunities to inmates to see their beloved ones.

He also hailed prisons for emphasizing on rehabilitating convicts so that they easily re-integrate with their communities after their release from prisons.

“It is your obligation as ZPC, the organization with the mandate to treat and reform convicts, to become law abiding and socially responsible citizens, on the time of their release.

“You must therefore make use of the period of their incarceration to improve their potentials, through empowering them with positive ideas so that they avoid recidivism,” he said.
Nehanda Guardian-New Ziana