Ministry says Point Blanche prison site can move to demolition phase

The Ministry of Justice said on Wednesday 4 November that excavation and security fencing work at the new Point Blanche Prison site had progressed enough for targeted demolition to proceed. The project is being implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services, according to the ministry.

The ministry said demolition and machinery work will cause temporary noise and dust. It said high-impact demolition and noisy machinery will be limited to set work periods, while the contractor is using regular water spraying to reduce dust. Masks and earplugs have been made available to prison staff and inmates.

Health and safety personnel are monitoring construction activity and adjusting mitigation measures where needed, the ministry said. It added that it is communicating with prison management to avoid compromising daily operations.

According to the ministry, the new facility is part of the Detention Sector Reform Program and is being developed to meet international human rights and detention standards. The ministry said the design includes rehabilitation, dynamic security, structured inmate management, environmental sustainability, social considerations and gender-responsive principles.