The Government of Zambia officially opened the Livingstone Female Correctional Center yesterday, with Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa representing the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jack Mwimbu. The project reflects the Government’s commitment to extending infrastructure development across all sectors, including correctional facilities.
The Livingstone Female Correctional Center has a holding capacity of 60 female inmates. The facility is fully furnished with beds, mattresses, and TV sets, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to improve living conditions in correctional centers.
The project demonstrates the Government’s resolve to promote rehabilitation, reduce congestion, and ensure that inmates live in more humane and decent environments. It aligns with broader reforms aimed at enhancing the correctional services sector.
Since 2021, deliberate investments have increased Zambia’s correctional holding capacity from 10,650 to over 12,000 inmates. Projections indicate the capacity will exceed 15,000, which will significantly reduce overcrowding in the country’s prisons.
The Government has allocated 8.4 billion kwacha to support the construction of prison infrastructure and the modernization of law enforcement agencies. These investments aim to strengthen Zambia’s justice system, promote rehabilitation, and ensure dignity for all inmates.
The opening of the Livingstone Female Correctional Center underscores Zambia’s commitment to improving prison standards, supporting rehabilitation programs, and modernizing correctional services to meet international best practices.