STARTLING claims of negligence by wardens and unhealthy working conditions have surfaced from behind the closed bars of Qalakabusha Prison in Empangeni.
Irate insiders told the Zululand Observer this week how ‘staff chose to spend working hours at an internal tavern instead of being on duty’.
According to Qalakabusha workers, who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation, the prison was now ‘an uncontrolled place’ as large number of employees absconded daily.
‘This prison has been become a disorderly ‘jack an house’. Prison workers do as they like. Some choose to spend time in a tavern which is within the prison premises and drink until they knock off. No one holds them accountable for their acts since we have no manager here. They do as they please,’ said the source.
Daily absenteeism was also a major problem and staff said this was largely as a result of an absent prison manager.
However, when questioned about allegations of ‘wardens drinking on the job’, Acting Area Commissioner: Empangeni Management Area, VJ Ndlovu said they were unaware of the problem.
‘We do not know of the presence of a tavern on the Qalakabusha premises as well as officials abusing alcohol during working hours. However, we are investigating the allegations and corrective steps will be taken against officials found to be in the wrong if it is discovered the allegations are true,’ said Ndlovu.
Unhealthy
Staff further complained of unhealthy working conditions which included leaking water pipes, floating condoms, human faeces and uncollected waste in the prison yard.
‘This is what you come across when you visit the prison. This has been happening for a long time and nothing has been done to address it. We are forced to work under these unhealthy conditions every day and it seems as if no one cares about our health, including our superiors,’ said the source.
Staff members have called on the Department of Correctional Services to urgently intervene at the prison.
Spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services: KZN, Nonkululeko Memela said the concerns raised about maintenance were logged with Public Works through its call-centre.
‘The other contributing factor to the state of repairs is that Public Works takes too long to react to logged calls. Seeing that the prison maintenance projects for service is taking long, the department asked for prioritisation for the plumbing term contract. Our office is not aware of the condoms reportedly floating outside the Correctional Centre,’ said Memela.
