Torit Prison has reported commendable agricultural yields from its farms located in Magwi, Hatire, and other parts of Eastern Equatoria State.
However, South Sudan National Prison Service (SSNPS) officials have expressed significant concern over the lack of transportation to move this valuable harvest, which is essential for feeding the inmates.
First Lieutenant Augustino Angelo Akaro, the spokesperson for Torit Prison, explained to Radio Tamazuj that the absence of reliable transportation has left many inmates reliant on food supplies sent by their families from home.
“Currently, there is hunger at Torit Prison, not due to a lack of food; we had a good harvest last year intended for the inmates, but we cannot transport it,” he stated. “We have ample food in Katire, Magwi, and Omere, yet the inmates are managing only with support from their families.”
“We are limited to providing clean drinking water, accommodation, and ensuring hygiene and sanitation to protect them from disease,” Lt. Angelo added.
He appealed to the national headquarters of the prison service to mitigate the situation, highlighting the essential need for transportation to facilitate the movement of farm produce and support other crucial activities within the prison.
“We are committed to continuing our agricultural efforts until we find a means of transport. If securing transportation proves impossible, we may need to take the inmates to the farms to work, allowing them to stay until the harvest is complete,” he said. “I urge the national authorities to assist us; our previous vehicle, which was the director’s, is currently inoperable.”
Lt. Angelo painted a vivid picture of the ongoing challenges within the prison, emphasizing the need for immediate solutions to ensure the good harvest benefits all inmates.