Suva Corrections Centre to be relocated due to flooding and sewer issues

The Suva Corrections Centre is set to be relocated, following a collaboration between the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) and the Ministry of National Planning, Development and Statistics, due to ongoing issues with sewer overflows and flooding.

According to the Fiji Correction Services, Acting Commissioner of Corrections Auta Moceisuva and the Permanent Secretary for National Planning, Development and Statistics, Peni Sikivou, along with senior staff, conducted a site visit and held discussions to explore possible relocation solutions.

Moceisuva highlights that the Suva Corrections Centre had been facing ongoing issues related to flooding and sewer spillage during heavy rain and flash floods stressing these problems had reportedly led to repeated evacuations and significant inconvenience for inmates, who were transferred to other facilities already operating beyond capacity.

The Corrections Service revealed that the current inmate population at the Suva Corrections Centre stood at 330, exceeding its approved capacity of 280, which they said reflected a clear overcrowding issue.

He further notes that the existing drainage and sewer systems required a major realignment, but that this would likely worsen the situation due to increasing developments around the area, which had left no room for expansion.

The Ministry and the Fiji Corrections Service confirmed that they had established a Working Committee to assess the option of relocating the centre to Naboro.

He says the committee had been tasked with preparing a detailed report outlining necessary infrastructure developments, including modern rehabilitation facilities, courtrooms, staff quarters, emergency support services, and other operational needs.

Fiji Correction Services indicated that, following the completion of this report, a joint Cabinet Paper would be submitted to the Government proposing a phased implementation plan for the relocation.

They acknowledged the Fiji Correction Services responsibility to meet United Nations minimum standards and expressed concern that the continued challenges at the current site could be interpreted as a breach of those standards.

The Acting Commisoner says for security and compliance reasons, the proposed new facility should be built in a more suitable location, with full consideration given to associated costs.