Caption: District Officer Nadi, Mr Jiuta Waqavonovono officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony for a new remand centre in Lautoka. Photo: SUPPLIED.
The groundbreaking ceremony for a new remand centre in Lautoka will improve correctional and judicial services in the Western City.
Scheduled for completion in 2015, the new facility will be located at the Natabua Corrections Facility.
The Fiji Corrections Services deputy commissioner, Superintendent Akuila Namakadre says the groundbreaking ceremony in Lautoka on Wednesday, December 10, was a turning point for the safety of those remanded pending their cases.
“This is a milestone project as it not only puts Fiji on par with International Law under the United Nation’s corrections facilities but also internally to ensure that the safety of those in remand continue to be dealt separately than those that are convicted,” he said.
“This is the first ever facility to be built in Lautoka and underpins Government’s efforts in ensuring that the department is well equipped. We are also planning to build a similar facility in Labasa.”
The $1.9 million dollar facility will be a two-storey building with dormitory type facilities and will cater for 96 persons.
District Officer Nadi, Mr Jiuta Waqavonovono who was the chief guest on behalf of the Acting Commissioner Western said the new facility would improve services at the corrections’ facility.
“Not only will it assist Fiji’s reputation in meeting the UN minimum standard rule which Fiji is a signatory to but also it will significantly reduce overcrowding in the cell blocks,” Mr Waqavonovono said.
DEPTFO