18 May 2011

PNG plans to build huge new jail

3:06 pm on 18 May 2011

Correctional Services in Papua New Guinea is to build a super jail capable of holding 2,000 inmates and needing staff of 1500.

The 34 million US dollar jail is to be built in Baisu.

The newspaper, The National, reports the Correctional Services commissioner, Richard Sikani, as saying they also have plans to turn the Kerevat and Bomana prisons into super jails.

He says they've been forced to upgrade facilities because criminals are using sophisticated means to escape.

Mr Sikani says security cameras, body scanners and metal detectors would be installed at the new prison.

He says funding for the project is from the Australian government through AusAID with additional money from the PNG government.