Maseru, Dec.03 — The Chairperson of the Sessional Select Committee on Pandemics Rev. Paul Masiu has called on the Parliament to ensure Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) becomes independent so that it could overcome the ongoing challenges faced at Correctional Institutions.
This, he said in the National Assembly on Wednesday when presenting the report of the Committee on the site visits to Lesotho Correctional Facilities.
Adv. Masiu said LCS should be allocated its own budget by Parliament instead of falling under the Ministry of Law and Justice.
He indicated that overcrowding at Correctional Institutions continues to increase as remanded are many compared to those who have already been sentenced.
He said overcrowding coupled with limited ventilation in prison cells contributes to spread of diseases like Tuberculosis amongst others.
“Correctional Institutions based at Qacha’s Nek, Quthing, Mokhotlong and Berea are the most vulnerable” he added, saying health practitioners are also few or none in other institutions as they usually get employed elsewhere.
Seconding the motion, a Member of Parliament Mrs. Mamoipone Senauoane said she was part of the team which visited the institutions, saying the living conditions are not conducive to both inmates and LCS officers.
“One may wonder why they are termed rehabilitation or correctional institutions yet the physical and living conditions seem like prison” she said, reminding MPs that they were also elected by inmates thus should not turn a blind eye.
On the other hand, Basotho National Party Leader Mr. Machesetsa Mofomobe said it is a known fact that LCS is the most vulnerable security agency in the country as compared to others, emphasizing the need to improve infrastructure within correctional institutions.
Meanwhile the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus Report on Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights and Climate Change Dialogue held at Mafeteng was tabled as part of today’s business in the House.
Ends/LP/ml
