P15.9 million spent on Prison warders houses
The Government has spent about P15.9 million to build 14 housing units for prison warders.
The Botswana Prison Service, according to Commissioner of Prisons Dinah Marathe, has procured a number of houses in Gaborone, Serowe, Machaneng, Mahalapye and Francistown. Housing units for the Prison Service were also built at various stations such as Francistown, Mahalapye, Bainesdrift, Kanye, Gaborone, Letlhakane, Mochudi, Maun and Boro.
“During the 2021/2022 financial year, the Prison Service procured 10 housing units as well as low cost houses in Tsabong from Botswana Housing Corporation, which are currently occupied, she added as she spoke during the handover ceremony of some units last Friday.
She said that in stations where they have old and dilapidated structures, they have resorted to coming up with initiatives and strategies to make the houses habitable.
“One of such strategy is the Letsema initiative, where we come as a collective both officers and prisoners to renovate those houses. The initiative has significantly assisted us to address the problem of shortage of accommodation for our officers,” Marathe said.
Marathe added that acquisition of the housing units will go a long way towards improving the quality and comfort of a home, while easing congestion in residential units among officers.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and Security, Pearl Ramokoka said that the Ministry is ready to support prisons’ efforts for better accommodation with resources no matter how minimal they may be. She implored officers who are going to occupy the flats to look after them and keep them in a good state.
Marathe indicated that Government’s Policy states that all prison officers should be provided with institutional houses as a way of motivation and value add to staff welfare, which shall consequently enhance their performance at work.