Yambio Central Prison, a colonial-era facility built in Western Equatoria State in the 1940s, requires urgent renovation due to deteriorating infrastructure and poor living conditions for inmates, a senior prison official said on Monday.
The call for government intervention came during a routine inspection by a delegation from the National Prison Service, led by Colonel Thomas Tong Agoth from Juba.
Ajak Gurech Anyang, Director of Prisons in Western Equatoria State, highlighted multiple challenges, including crumbling buildings, overcrowding, food shortages, and a lack of farming tools.
“The buildings are too old and have developed cracks. Many cells are no longer habitable,” Ajak told the delegation. “Inmates are also suffering from hunger because food contractors are not paid on time.”
He said providing farming equipment, such as tractors, could help inmates grow their own food and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Col. Thomas echoed these concerns, urging immediate support.
“We are here to assess the prison’s conditions, especially food shortages, health services, overcrowding, and infrastructure,” he said. “We appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture to provide tractors and farming tools so inmates can become self-reliant.”
Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, acknowledged the prison’s poor state, saying his office had recently delivered mattresses and food but that more support was needed.
“The infrastructure is too old, there is no consistent food supply, and medical resources are limited,” Rimbasa said. “We are planning a full renovation and support for farming as a sustainable solution.”
He also announced plans to establish an agricultural cooperative center to reduce reliance on government aid.
Civil society representative Odetta Miwai raised additional concerns over inadequate lighting, ventilation, clean water, and medical care.
“Inmates deserve basic rights, including food, light, and staff support,” she said.
While South Sudan’s laws outline standards for prison conditions, these standards are often not met, with overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and insufficient food and healthcare remaining prevalent issues.