By: Steve Chirombo

Dedza, November 29, Mana: Officer In-Charge for Dedza prison, Senior Superintendent, Chimwemwe Shaba, on Friday, said they are doing all they can in order to change the face of the facility at the same time, improve provision of services to inmates.

Shaba made the remarks during commemoration of International Human Rights Day organized by Paralegal Advisory Services Institute (PASI) with support from the Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI).

The OC said to avoid repetition of the past experience when 48 inmates were severely malnourished, the facility is now providing three meals per day.

“This includes, providing porridge to the inmates early morning, nsima at 11 a.m and at 2 p.m. We ensure provision of nutritious foods like usipa as well as soya pieces in our menu,” he said.

Shaba further stated that the facility has running water all day long to ensure there is total hygiene and are considering increasing in-door sports activities in order to enhance mental health and well-being of the inmates.

“It is our plea to well-wishers to assist us with whatever they can so that the facility changes for the better. We need food, paint, and sports materials including attires. We are also doing well in re-integration activities with the help of our partners including office of social welfare and gender,” he stated.

According to Shaba, Dedza prison is also into chicken rearing and has 21 beehives with a sole purpose of training the inmates in order to venture into such lucrative businesses once out of prison.

He said going forward a well-wisher has been identified to install one of its kind irrigation system at the facility hoping to provide fresh vegetables within and outside the facility.

On his part, IRLI Programmer Lawyer, Dr. Macdara O Drisceoil, hailed Dedza prison staff for the good working relationship while assuring the staff of their total support.

He told the inmates to realize the fundamental human rights they have while in prison.

“We will continue to enlighten you on your rights and whatever you need to do in-line with the country’s constitution so that you get the justice you deserve,” emphasized Drisceoil.

One of the inmates, Edward Kazembe, expressed gratitude with the event saying it gave a room for inmates to realize that they have rights which they need to exercise responsibly for justice to prevail.

“Let me also state hear that the facility is indeed abiding by the fundamental human rights as stated already. We are eating three times a day and that when one falls sick, they receive necessary healthcare,” said Kazembe.

PASI Team Leader for Central Region, Alfred Muunika, said the event was aimed at reminding the inmates of their fundamental human rights within and outside prison.

“This also created a platform for inmates to engage with duty bearers on issues related to the justice delivery system. Key concerns raised included delayed justice and the high number of individuals on remand. According to our panelists comprising representatives from the police, courts, and civil society; these issues have been and will continue to be addressed," he said.

Dedza prison has 236 inmates and out of the figure, 158 are on remand awaiting trial.

The International Human Rights Day at Dedza prison was commemorated under the theme: “Our Rights, Our Future-Right Now!!”