The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has unveiled a proposal to transform the Rakiraki Temporary Corrections Centre into a permanent Rehabilitation Centre.
The primary goal of this initiative is to boost rehabilitation opportunities for inmates through various farming programs, including an already successful sugar cane cutting scheme.
At present, the Rakiraki Temporary Corrections Centre serves to house inmates and officers from Suva and Naboro during the seasonal sugar cane harvesting period.
These seasonal deployments, while necessary, create logistical challenges and strain institutional operations.
Converting the temporary facility into a permanent Rehabilitation Centre would not only mitigate these issues but also provide continuous rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
The FCS senior management team, headed by Commissioner Dr. Nakarawa, met with the Permanent Secretary for Sugar, Yogesh Karan, to discuss the proposal.
Karan supported the proposal and expressed readiness to work on a joint Cabinet Paper for this project.
The move is expected to have a positive economic impact by bolstering the sugar industry.
The FCS Project Team plans to conduct a project scoping exercise at the Rakiraki site.
Once completed, the scoping report will be submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities for technical review.
This report will be part of a joint Cabinet Paper seeking government approval.
Government approval of the project would bring numerous benefits to the FCS, the government, and the community of Ra Province.
It would boost the local economy, create job opportunities, and promote social stability.
Additionally, it would significantly improve rehabilitation programs for inmates while supporting the sugar industry.