The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has announced a major proposal to transform the Rakiraki Temporary Corrections Centre into a permanent Rehabilitation Centre.
This initiative aims to improve rehabilitation opportunities for inmates through various farming programs, including the successful sugar cane cutting scheme.
Currently, the Rakiraki Temporary Corrections Centre serves to accommodate inmates and officers from Suva and Naboro during the seasonal sugar cane harvesting period.
These deployments, aside from their logistical challenges, place additional pressure on institutional operations.
Converting the temporary base into a permanent Rehabilitation Centre would not only ease these challenges but also provide continuous rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
FCS senior management, led by Commissioner Dr. Nakarawa, met with the Permanent Secretary for Sugar, Yogesh Karan, to discuss the proposal.
Karan endorsed the idea and expressed his willingness to collaborate on a joint Cabinet Paper for this project.
This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the economy by supporting the sugar industry.
The FCS Project Team will conduct a project scoping exercise at the site in Rakiraki.
Once completed, the scoping report will be submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities for technical review.
This report will accompany a joint Cabinet Paper for government approval.
Government approval of this project would bring numerous benefits to the FCS, the government, and the community members of Ra Province.
It would improve the local economy, provide employment opportunities, and strengthen social stability.
Additionally, it would significantly enhance rehabilitation programs for inmates while supporting the sugar industry.