Government is banking on the construction of the maximum-security prison at Chitedze in Lilongwe to address the problem of congestion in prisons. 

Minister of Homeland Security Jean Sendeza said this over the weekend in Zomba when receiving two water plants at Domasi and Zomba Maximum prisons which have been constructed by the Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).

Sendeza said so far, paperwork and all processes of identifying a contractor are in the process but was quick to point out that the construction of the new maximum prison will take years to be completed.

Centre for Human Rights, Education, Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) Executive Director Victor Mhango said the minister’s sentiments are a clear indication that the government has no immediate plan of decongesting the country’s prisons.

Mhango said one factor that has negatively contributed to the current status is lack of political will and things will remain the same if the current trend continues.