LocationsFollowing the visit of the facility, the group tour stand in from of one of the seven water tanks. (L-R) RCCC Commandant, Supt Chris Bwekulyi, UNDP Justice Project Manager Ms Grace Kiernan, CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi, UNDP Country Manager Berdi Berdiyev, Supt Joe Goulolo and Supt Dereck Tenai (Photo: UNDP)
Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Correctional Service of the Solomon Islands (CSSI), as a key component of the Solomon Islands criminal justice system and with responsibility for persons referred to its facilities by the courts, partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to install seven rainwater tanks at the CSSI facility in Rove, Honiara.
Through the partnership, the rainwater tanks with a capacity of 45,000 gallons (170,343 litres) provide a sustainable and reliable source of clean drinking water for inmates and staff resulting in positive health and economic outcomes for the facility.
The rainwater tanks supplement the personal protective equipment procured through the partnership with UNDP and CSSI, including medical grade face masks, in support of CSSI’s COVID-19 prevention and response.
In late May 2021, the CSSI Commissioner, Gabriel Manelusi and his team hosted the UNDP Country Manager, Berdi Berdiyev, at the Corrections facility at Rove, which is responsible for over 600 occupants (including staff and inmates), to witness the roll out of the tanks and the CSSI COVID-19 protocols.
“This is the first time for rainwater tanks to be installed in this Corrections facility,” said Commissioner Manelusi.
“We now have reduced costs and enhanced health outcomes because we are now using the rainwater collected through these tanks to supply drinking water for inmates and staff, as well as cooking and baking for the kitchen.”
He added, “CSSI is extremely grateful for the ongoing provision of support provided by UNDP and supporting agencies, through existing agreements with the Solomon Islands Government and supporting Ministries.”
UNDP Country Manager Berdi Berdiyev and Access to Justice Project Manager, Grace Kieman accompanied by the Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi (second left) and RCCC Commandant Supt Chris Bwekulyi during the tour of the premises. (Photo: UNDP)
The Rove Correctional Centre Prison Clinic and Health Care team share their health and safety protocols with UNDP Country Manager, Berdi Berdiyev. (Photo: UNDP)
Group photo with the Medical Face Mask donated from UNDP. (Photo: UNDP)
On COVID-19 prevention, CSSI have instituted operational safety guidelines, which have been boosted with sufficient stocks of face masks available and an appropriate plan in place to restock as required.
“With its international expertise in supporting prison reforms, UNDP is committed to supporting the CSSI to implement its strategy to care for and rehabilitate inmates with humanity,” said UNDP’s Berdiyev.
Berdiyev thanked the Commissioner for CSSI and his staff for the tour of the facility and the positive partnership with UNDP.
The support is consistent with the practical application of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules), particularly rule 22.2, which provides that drinking water shall be available to every prisoner whenever he or she needs it.
For more information:
Jone Tuiipelehaki Raqauqau, Communications Specialist – Access to Justice Project, UNDP Solomon Islands. E: jone.raqauqau@undp.org, P: 677 27446
