Bekut prison fencing underway in Buka Island

Work is finally underway for a new high-security fencing to securely confine prisoners and remandees at Bekut Prison on Buka Island.

The project for proper fencing is funded by Australia's Department of Forrign Affairs and Trdae through the Australia-Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Program, APLJ.

It was launched early this year with a groundbreaking ceremony, however work is only starting after the initial contractor was swapped.

Bougainville Joint Venture is now taking carriage of the K6.6 million contract, which will see new and proper high-security prison fencing around the male confinement area, together with new buildings (and fencing) for female and juveniles and associated works.

Future development works are expected to include a new guard house, expanded accommodation, solar power, and upgraded ablution facilities.

Chief of Bougainville Correctional Service Assistant Commissioner, Vincent Kundi visited the work at the prison this week, pleased that work has finally taken off and confident of the contractor meeting duration of the work.

He dscribed the development as a critical step for Bougainville’s justice sector saying it will improve detainee management, staff welfare, and facility operations, thanking the Australian Government through the APLJ program and alao acknowledging the support from the Autonomous Bougainville Government Department of Justice and Legal Services and sector agencies.

Confinement at Bekut Prison has been a major public concern in Bougainville for many years.

The lack of secure detainment has seen prisoners and remandees walking off at will, challenging the authority of the courts and questioning the capability of the correctional service.

Assistant Commissioner Kundi says the days of prisoners and detainees taking Bekut Prison as a holiday camp is almost up, assuring the public that a safer, confined prison will soon be in place.

He says all project stakeholders will see the work through to its conclusion, which will reinforce the law and justice sector in Bougainville, improving safety for officers and detainees and lift standards at Bekut.