CHIEF Justice Sir Gibbs Salika has advised the Government to pay closer attention to and address problems in prisons around the country.
“Year in year out, the Correctional Services, an important arm of the law and justice sector, is placed last in terms of funding and budget allocations,” he said.
“I urge Prime Minister James Marape to visit prisons around the country and see their run-down state, and look at setting up prisons in provinces lacking (a prison) facility.”
Sir Gibbs was invited to the launching of the PNG Correctional Services (PNGCS) corporate plan (2026-2031) in Port Moresby yesterday.
“Do we have a (proper) Correctional Services facility in Enga’s Mukrumanda?” he asked.
“No. And when will that happen?”
Sir Gibbs said Mukrumanda was “crucial”, given the current escalating law and order situation, and should have been prioritised as a prison to take in convicts.
The corporate plan launched by acting CS commissioner Bernard Nepo and CS Minister Joe Kuli contained reforms which will take into consideration the smart-prison concept to address long-standing legacy challenges that have plagued the CS.
Sir Gibbs said: “I’ve been associated with the CS during my entire 46-year career, from being a state prosecutor to being a judge.
“So I know the system and how much is being allocated from the Government budget each year.
“I saw the plan, and it’s good.
“But it just needs money, and I am sure you’ve got enough to make sure your plans come into fruition.
“But how can you make that plan come into reality without money?