New prison facility handed over in Eastern Equatoria

2 Aug 2019

New prison facility handed over in Eastern Equatoria

Okello James

Funding from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has made the construction of a brand-new prison possible in Chukudum town, near Kapoeta, in Eastern Equatoria.

The prison, with capacity to hold two hundred inmates among four cells, will cater to male, female, and juvenile offenders, and provide a more secure and comfortable environment for them.

“The new prison will not only serve as a means of protecting inmates but will also help contribute to build trust and confidence within the local population,” said Bashir Aligelle, head of UNMISS’ Field Office in Torit, at the handover ceremony.

Chukudum experiences crime on a regular basis, and the construction of an updated prison facility will help strengthen rule of law in the community.

“The building itself will act as a physical reminder for potential offenders to distant themselves from wrongdoing,” said Kapoeta community representative, Angelo Gola.

“This facility is very important in addressing the issues of accommodation, separation and classification of prisoners,” said Kapoeta prison director, Major General Paul Bol Ador Ader, who noted that the extra space will also help alleviate overcrowding in the area’s prison headquarters.

The prison is one of 17 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) funded by the peacekeeping mission in Eastern Equatoria since 2012.  Past projects have included the construction of water sanitation facilities, court halls, medical centres, police posts, and water pipelines.

The project was undertaken in collaboration with Kapoeta prison authorities and local governing bodies at a cost of $50,000.