By Jenifer James
King News 13th September Juba – The Government of Central Equatoria State in partner with the Turkish Embassy in Juba, has launched the foundation stone for a new prison project in Luri Payam, Juba County.
The launch ceremony for the foundation stone was a momentous occasion, attended by various dignitaries and local officials on Friday.
Speaking during the launch of the foundation stone, the Governor of Central Equatoria state, Jadalla Wani, highlighted the new prison’s transformative potential.
“This new facility will make a substantial difference, particularly for the inmates currently housed in the overcrowded Juba Central Prison,” Governor Jadalla said.
Jadalla emphasized the need for the new prison to be built to modern standards, reflecting a commitment to humane treatment and effective rehabilitation.
“This project should be a model of modern correctional facilities. Our aim is not just to manage inmates but to provide an environment conducive to their reform and rehabilitation,” Jadalla added.
The Governor further elaborated on the broader vision for the prison. “Our goal is to correct and reform the inmates rather than simply to punish them,” he explained.
Jadalla stressed the importance of incorporating educational and vocational training programs into the prison’s operations.
“We want to offer inmates opportunities to gain skills such as building, carpentry, or plumbing. By providing these skills, we hope to facilitate their reintegration into society and reduce recidivism,” he continued.
The Director of the Central Equatoria State Prison Service, Juma Doka Legge, said the prison provided additional insights into the project’s scope.
He noted that the new prison would significantly ease the burden on the current facility by accommodating up to 3,000 inmates, thus addressing the severe overcrowding issues.
“The primary mission of the prison service is to ensure the safety and security of inmates while also focusing on their development and eventual reintegration into society,” Legge stated.
Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan, Erdem Mutaf, shared details about the project’s financial and logistical aspects.
“The total cost of the project is $30 million, and construction will involve 300 South Sudanese workers,” he announced. The project is expected to take ten months to complete, with the facility slated for opening in 2025.
Ambassador Mutaf expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and anticipated successful completion of the project, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the local community and the broader criminal justice system.
This new prison project represents a significant advancement in addressing the critical challenges of overcrowding and inmate rehabilitation in South Sudan, reflecting a strong commitment to improving conditions within the country’s correctional facilities.