Prisoners at Karonga prison are asking well-wishers for building materials to finish construction of additional toilets to improve hygiene and sanitation at the facility.

Karonga Prison inmates leader Charles Mwafilaso said the facility has 115 inmates against three toilets and few buckets that are used as toilets at night and use them for bathing as well as washing their clothes.

Karonga Prison officer-in-charge Emily Banda supported the point of shortage of toilets and buckets to inadequate funding.

“The place was meant for 65 prisoners but as of now we 115 prisoners which is a big challenge, with K6 million monthly funding it is hard to cater every persons need,” she said

Banda also appealed to government and other stakeholders to help decongest the facility.

“We do not a car to transport inmate to hospital when they fell ill or transferring them to other police station,” she added.

Malawi Prison Service national spokesperson Chimwemwe Shaba said they are planning to construct a prison in Karonga District.