The department of the Malawi Prisons Service (MPS) has commenced the construction and renovation of modern isolation cells in the country’s selected correctional facilities.

According to a statement seen by this publication from the Prisons authorities, the project is being funded by the Malawi government under the Department of Disaster Risk Management.

The development follows the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus which saw the country’s correctional facilities helpless due to lack of enough cells and space to accommodate affected inmates and protect other inmates including staff from being infected.

The modern isolation cells are being constructed in Mzuzu, Thyolo, Lilongwe and Mpyupyu Prisons.

For instance five modern Isolation Cells are being constructed at Mpyupyu Prison each with a recommended holding capacity of 20 prisoners.

Each cell has four big windows, two small windows, five big electrical bulbs, and two whirly birds, a ceiling made of steel, one toilet and one bathroom.

According to the statement, the cells have maximum security and good ventilation for safe and humane custody of offenders.

The statement added that the construction works are being done by both Prison Officers and skilled and unskilled prisoners, a development that has saved millions of money if the project had been outsourced.

“The project is also adding beauty to the Prisons taking into consideration that most of the Prisons structures are old and dilapidated,” read part of the statement.

The Mpyupyu Prison project which started on the 15th of February, 2022 and expected to end on the 28th of June, 2022 is also offering on job training to more than 48 prisoners in Carpentry, Welding and Fabrication, Bricklaying, Painting and Plumbing.