Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has revealed that the capacity of Maafushi Prison will be increased to accommodate 130 more prisoners. He made the remark at the graduation ceremony for the eighth batch that completed the Certificate III in Custodial Management and Security programme conducted by the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS).
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Imran said that the prison capacity has so far been increased by 220 prisoners and that work has begun to increase the capacity at Maafushi Prison and build a high-security prison. He also said that major changes will be made to the prison system after the completion of a prison complex in Hulhumale’ next year. He added that a contractor has been hired to build an industrial prison in Neykurendhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, with rehabilitation facilities.
Additionally, Minister Imran said that the Certificate III in Custodial Management and Security programme lays the foundation for the future of prison management in the country. He noted there are risks and challenges while working at prisons and urged the graduates to conduct themselves with patience and honesty.
A total of 113 of the 118 trainees graduated from the Certificate III in Custodial Management and Security programme.