Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu has implored the Zambia Correctional Service to ensure the service becomes a giant in terms of agricultural and industrial production.

 Mr Mwiimbu says the government stands ready to support the service as it strives to transform the agriculture sector for the Zambian economy, job creation, and sustained food production.

ZANIS reports that Mr Mwiimbu was speaking when he officiated at the Zambia Correctional Service 2024 senior officers’ annual ball yesterday.

He said government is supporting the Service in many areas for improved service delivery.

Mr Mwiimbu mentioned that   government has continued putting up modern infrastructure to support inmate’s welfare, which caters for rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.

 Mr Mwiimbu pointed out that    government is also aware that there can never be effective rehabilitation without good infrastructure.

“As I have said on many fora, government has so far operationalized the Mwembeshi remand prison and correctional centre in Chilanga and that over 1000 inmates have so far been relocated to the same facility,” he said.

Mr Mwiimbu further expressed happiness that the service has continued to follow the presidential directive on inmates’ welfare by providing a conducive living environment for them.

 “ I have been informed that the delivery of beddings and bunk bed materials will begin in December 2023 and soon all inmates will be sleeping on beds under warm beddings,” he said.

 He urged officers to maintain high levels of discipline and loyalty to the government of the day.

“you must never be tempted to engage yourselves in unlawful acts and partisan politics.  Please, follow the reporting system within the service, as my office will not tolerate officers who jump their superiors to come and report issues at the ministry; he said.

Commissioner General of Correctional Services, Fredrick Chilukutu saluted the government for elevating the head of the service to status of service chief and member of the Central Joint Operation Committee (CJOC).

Commissioner General Chilukutu also thanked the government for relocating the head office from Kabwe to Lusaka, adding that the relocation will enhance efficiency and improve communication and coordination.

He stated that the correctional service is making a significant contribution to the national food basket through Kalonga Milling and other agricultural production initiatives.