Lesotho Correctional Service Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Pheko  Ntobane says despite the fact that Quthing Correctional Institution is dilapidated and inmates have already been moved to Mohale’s Hoek prison, it was not included in the recent budget speech of 2024/2024.

Ntobane added by saying Qacha’s Nek, Berea and Female prisons are also not included in this year’s budget, saying they were told that the money is not enough to rehabilitate these correctional institutions.

He said the only correctional institution that is already being rehabilitated is that of Mohale’s Hoek, saying it is fortunate that Mokhotlong prison will migrate due to the Polihali project and will be re-constructed.

He admitted that Mohale’s Hoek prison is already congested, saying the rehabilitation of inmates from Quthing might not be effective because they were moved from their district and that it is understaffed, hence, a challenge. He further said inmates who are continuing to be sentenced in Quthing are immediately sent to Mohale’s Hoek and only those who are awaiting trial as well as those who cook for them are still in Quthing.

Meanwhile the Minister of Finance Dr. Rets’elisitse Matlanyane indicated in the budget estimates that the focus is to enhance capabilities of key institutions that fight corruption and crime, including homicide, human trafficking and gender-based violence.  She added that it will also be important to invest in programs that promote a culture of excellence, ethical conduct, mutual respect amongst the people and strengthen service delivery.