Image Source: Public Interest Legal Services
Gauteng – Taxpayers face an estimated R1.2 billion repair bill due to severe neglect at Johannesburg Prison, as uncovered during a recent oversight visit by ActionSA.
In October, ActionSA members found the prison’s basement kitchen, an essential space for preparing food for both staff and inmates, completely flooded. Collapsed plumbing had rendered the area unsanitary and hazardous, posing significant health and safety risks and jeopardising the structural integrity of the entire facility.
“While South Africa itself is in the midst of severe austerity measures, the government’s failure to perform routine basic maintenance has spiralled into a crisis of epic proportions.”
“This situation exemplifies the gross mismanagement and negligence that lead to exponentially higher repair costs and dangerous conditions.”
After witnessing the damage firsthand, ActionSA immediately raised the issue with the Minister of Correctional Services, only to uncover a more alarming reality. Despite the critical state of the problem, there is still no clear timeline for permanent repairs.
“Even more concerning is the fact that there is currently no timeline for resolving this crisis beyond periodic “pumping out” of the flooded basement, which is a band-aid solution that leaves both staff and inmates at continuous risk.”
Even more troubling, R75 million of the repair budget has been allocated to unexplained “fees.” ActionSA has questioned the necessity and transparency of this expense, especially given the country’s financial constraints.
“This is nothing short of scandalous — fees for what exactly?” the party asked.
In response, ActionSA urgently appeals to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure to intervene, calling for immediate actions to protect prison staff, inmates, and public funds.
To stress the urgency, they have invited the Minister of Correctional Services and the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure to join them on a follow-up visit to the prison, emphasising the need for accountability and a sustainable solution to this ongoing crisis.
