The old Main Cell Block, Awaiting Trial Block, and Segregation Block at Suva Corrections Centre formerly known as Korovou Prison which was built in 1912, has been demolished.
Fiji Corrections Commissioner Francis Kean says the blocks which were not in use since 1998 were demolished due to occupational health and safety issues.
He says demolition works were done to allow for the construction of a new Corrections Centre in Suva which will be able to house 600 prisoners.
Commissioner Kean says this will hopefully alleviate the overcrowding issues that are currently being faced at the Centre.
He says 439 prisoners were moved to other corrections centres around the country during the final seven days of demolition works.
He added this had to be done for safety reasons and these prisoners are now back at the Suva Corrections Centre.
The cost of the new construction project has not been disclosed as the tender is still open.
Commander Kean thanked the Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho and the Commander of the RFMF Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto for their support towards the success of the prisoner relocation operation.
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