Chichiri Prison is running without water after Blantyre Water Board has disconnected taps over outstanding bills, MIJ Online has learnt.
MIJ Online, understands the board has cut water supply yesterday after switching to pre-paid metering system from the initial post-paid.
Meanwhile, Chimwemwe Shaba, spokesperson for Malawi Prison Services has confirmed the development but said they were doing all they could to settle bills.
In a related development, government has expressed hope that the construction of a maximum prison at Chitedze in Lilongwe will help in addressing the issue of congestion in the country’s prisons.
The hope comes as the facility is expected to house at least five thousand inmates.
The construction of this facility comes at a time reports indicate prison population stands at twelve thousand five hundred sixty-six with ten thousand four hundred seventy being convicted prisoners, and the rest on remand.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Jean Sendeza, Minister of homeland security said government is aware of the congestion in the country’s prisons and is in the process of identifying a contractor to start with the construction of other maximum prisons.