Malawi’s President Joyce Banda on Sunday assured the nation that her government will address the current congestion in prisons and create a safe environment for inmates.

President Banda said “plans are underway to construct more prisons and extend the existing ones to create more space for inmates.”

She made the assurance when she presided over prayers at Mzuzu prison.

During the event the president also donated various items to the inmates such as blankets and food stuffs.

Minister of home affairs and internal security Uladi Mussa attributed the congestion to reluctance by the previous regimes to construct new prisons.

Mussa said “at present, the country only has 32 prisons, with 24 being built during the colonial rule.”