Tanzania’s Prisons chief visits

MUHANGA/NYANZA/HUYE-The Principal Commissioner of Tanzania Prison Services, Augustino Nanyaro, Tuesday commended the environmental management programs run by the Rwandan Correctional Services (RCS). Nanyaro was touring prison facilities in Muhanga, Mpanga, and Butare, all situated in the Southern Province. Nanyaro was accompanied by the RCS Deputy Commissioner, Mary Gahonzire and three Tanzania prisons deputy commissioners, including John Minja, Deonice Chamulesile, Phaustine Kasike. “The delegation is in the country to learn from us and sign a cooperation agreement on training and correctional programs, data management and other best practices, especially the use of biogas in prisons,” Gahonzire pointed out. The Tanzanian Prisons boss was particularly impressed by the hygiene and cleanliness in the prison facilities. “This cleanliness is outstanding and an example to carry back to my country. I believe that this hygiene should reflect the minds and hearts of the inmates,” Nanyaro said. He added that the lessons learnt from the Rwandan prisons will be used in Tanzania, especially in replacing the use of firewood with biogas systems, which is environmentally friendly and cost effective. While at Mpanga prison, Nanyaro encouraged inmates to use their prison time to reflect on the need to change, build peace, and educate other community members to desist from criminal activities upon release. The delegation toured the biogas projects at Mpanga prison-which has over 7,000 local inmates and eight Sierra Leone war crimes convicts. The group also visited the biggest prison production projects run by Butare Central Prison-which include rice production in Munyazi Marshlands, Karubanda Banana Plantation, dairy and fish farming, carpentry, craft and repair shops, and a brick and tile making project. Ends

National

Tanzania’s Prisons chief visits