KAMPYONGO

By ANDREW PHIRI-
HOME Affairs Deputy Minister Stephen Kampyongo has urged the private sector to partner with Government to improve the conditions in various prisons across the country.
Mr Kampyongo said the Prisons Service was faced with challenges that needed concerted efforts and support from various stakeholders to overcome.
He was speaking on Saturday during the handover of various indoor sports facilities valued at K40, 000 to Livingstone Central Prison donated by Cosmetic Curve.
Mr Kampyongo said the prisons were faced with food shortages which he said was supposed to be addressed by the Prisons Service tripling its food production.
He said he was happy that the Prisons Command had adhered to President Michael Sata’s directive to increase agriculture production to address the issue of food security in the penitentiaries.
Mr Kampyongo said the sports facilities donated to the inmates would give them an opportunity to interact, build team work and also reduce on their psychological stress.
“I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the sports facilities will give inmates an opportunity to interact, build team work, reduce their psychological stress, promote reformation and sustain livelihood after discharge from prisons,” Mr Kampyongo said.
He said he was aware that it was big challenge for the prisons service to deliver its core function without these sports facilities.
Mr Kampyongo urged the inmates to take care of newly donated equipment and use it for social recreation.
Speaking at the same function, Zambia Prisons Service Commissioner Percy Chato said it was gratifying for Cosmetic Curve to have chosen to partner with the Service in enhancing the welfare of inmates.
Mr Chato said the donation would contribute in creating a positive environment in the physical, emotional and mental aspects of the lives of inmates and also the prison service officers.
He said health was more than just medicines and health workers, but that it also needed to be pursued through active lifestyles by engaging in sports.
Cosmetic Curves director James Maluli said his company made the donation of indoor sports facilities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
Mr Maluli said taking care of the needs for prisoners was not supposed to be left to Government alone, but to all well meaning companies and community members.