The government of Sierra Leone has opened a new 150-capacity correctional facility in waterloo, the outskirt of the municipality of Freetown on Friday September 20, 2019.
The correctional facility was constructed with funding from the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INLEA) through the US Embassy in Freetown.
Speaking at the opening of the facility last Friday, Joseph Laboi, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Services (SLCS) asserted that the newly constructed facility which has a pre-trial detention and simulation centre will save huge amount of money which is expended in transportation of inmates from central Freetown for trials every week.
He added that the project would also directly contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with specific reference to Goal 16 which promotes a peaceful and inclusive society through peace, justice and strong institutions.
Labio said that the newly constructed centre will help to decongest the maximum correctional facility situated at Pademba Road, as it is no secret that that facility is not only overcrowded with inmates but overdue for relocation.
He said that the development is another ground breaking moment in the transformation of the SLCS after the enactment of the Correctional Service Act of 2014, and the Prisons Rules of 1961, a nationwide assessment was conducted which was founded by UNDP, which culminated to a project titled: “From Prisons to Correction”.
In her own remarks, the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Maria Brewa noted that the ceremony represent another progress in the transformation of the SLCS, and that since 2016 to date, the Embassy has facilitated four delegations of Correctional Service Officers to Colorado in the United States.
Madam Brewa said the SLCS had recruited new officers and trained them in line with international standards for improve service delivery to inmates.
She said the facility will now address the issue of removing inmates from the central part of town for court proceedings in Waterloo, and that the facility will help improve the quality of life.
Speaking, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative, Madam Rokya Ye Dieng described the opening of the facility as a milestone which was as a result of hard work and fruitful collaboration and partnerships among several actors.
She said the 30 months project ’from prison to correction’ is a perfect example of how team-work and collective efforts could make the difference when it comes to development.
“Through this project UNDP in collaboration with the SLCS have refurbished eight correctional facilities, providing them with water, improving sanitation and hygiene in Port Loko, Makeni, Mafanta, Kenema, Bo, Kambia, Kono and the just commissioned Waterloo facility,” she added.
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