Acting Commissioner of Corrections Auta Moceisuva, together with Peni Sikivou, the Permanent Secretary for National Planning, Development and Statistics, recently toured the Suva Correctional Centre to explore options for relocating the facility. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to address persistent issues faced by the Suva CC, particularly flooding and sewer spills during severe weather events.
Moceisuva pointed out that the correctional facility often has to relocate inmates from low-lying dormitories during heavy rains. This critical situation leads to the transfer of inmates into already overcrowded areas, creating significant discomfort and complications for those affected. Currently, the Suva CC is housing 330 inmates, exceeding its intended capacity of 280, which highlights the immediate necessity for reform.
“The entire drainage and sewer system needs substantial realignment, but trying to fix these issues will likely exacerbate them due to ongoing developments in the area that restrict expansion,” Moceisuva remarked.
To tackle these long-standing challenges, the Ministry of National Planning and the Fiji Corrections Service have formed a working committee tasked with exploring the possibility of relocating the Suva CC to Naboro. This committee will prepare a comprehensive report that will consider essential factors such as road infrastructure, modern rehabilitation facilities, court services, staff accommodations, and emergency support.
Following the report’s preparation, a joint Cabinet Paper will be submitted to the government by both the Ministry of National Planning and the Fiji Corrections Service, outlining a phased plan for the relocation. This initiative marks a positive step toward improving living conditions for inmates and enhancing the operational standards of correctional facilities in Fiji, promising a more secure and rehabilitative environment for those incarcerated.