Mauritius United Properties

www.newsnow.mu (26/03/2010)

The government has decided to go ahead with the construction a new prison in Melrose in the east of the island. Ready by 2011, it is expected to cost Rs1.3 billion. The existing prisons in Majuritius are overcrowded and do not meet international norms for safety and security.

The new prison will also help the Prisons Department maintain good standards of discipline and security while providing an environment conducive for the rehabilitation of detainees.

Work is due to start anytime now on a 42-acre site. The new complex will be able to accommodate 780 prisoners with provision for an extension, increasing its capacity to 1,000.

An official source told NEWSNOW that the new prison will have the following residential facilities: 102 detainees in two cell blocks, 128 detainees in one cell block and 300 detainees in six dormitory blocks of 50 detainees each.

The prison will also comprise three high security blocks for 60 detainees and “drug-free accommodation” for 100 detainees in two dormitory blocks of 50 detainees each.

In addition, the project provides for a 50-detainee segregation dormitory block, a 30-detainee geriatric ward and a 20-detainee transit unit. There will also be a 20-bed medical unit to cater for the general health needs of the prisoners.

Over and above the basic needs of the detainees, an educational facility of three classrooms and a computer room with library facility will also be available.

A kitchen for food preparation for 1,000 detainees and religious facilities for the different religious groups will also be part of the complex.

Security features will include a 7- metre high security wall with power fencing on top around the main prison with watchtowers at strategic locations and a “no man’s land” around the main complex with CCTV surveillance.

By Sanjana Bhagmal- Cadervaloo