PORT VILA, 01 October: On September 27, a significant milestone was reached with the ground-breaking ceremony for a new Remand and Medical Facility at the Correctional Centre in the Stade Area in Port Vila.
The project is funded by the Vanuatu Government at the value of VT299, 444,639.
Minister of Justice and Community Services, Honourable John Amos Masilaewia, highlighted the advancements made since the correctional centre was established in 2006, emphasizing that this new facility signifies continued progress. “We no longer have prominent high-risk prisoners or escape incidents, thanks to our robust collaboration within the correctional system,” he stated Minister was pleased to see the government's commitment to prioritizing funding new correctional centres in all six provinces of Vanuatu.
Director of the Department of Correctional Services, Johnny Marango, explained that the new facility was designed with input from various stakeholders to ensure compliance with human rights standards and the United Nations’ minimum guidelines. He announced plans for Erangorango to transition into a pre-release facility, focusing on rehabilitation for detainees before their reintegration into society. Mr. Marango explained that this new project will be the biggest correctional facility in the country.
The new facility will feature two stories, accommodating up to 180 detainees, and will include a low-risk wing, medium-risk wing, high-risk wing, remand wing, medical ward, rehabilitation centre, and a juvenile wing. Correctional Centre Manager, John Jack, mentioned that the building will be engineered to withstand a Category 5 tropical cyclone and will serve as a holding area for detainees awaiting trial.
Jack expressed appreciation to the Vanuatu government for its ongoing support of the Department of Correctional Services. Chief Kalsaur Kalomtak, Chairman of the South Efate Council, announced the facility's name, "Fatkor," meaning "one door," symbolizing its single entrance and exit.
The construction contract has been awarded to Jiangsu International Vu Limited, the same company responsible for building the correctional facility in Isangel, Tanna. Construction is slated to begin on October 21 and is expected to take two years to complete. Managing Director Robin Huang assured the government and its people that the project would be completed in the scheduled time frame, despite the challenges posed by the approaching cyclone season.