New dormitories at the Jeshwang detention center were unveiled by the Government of The Gambia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). The works have been realized in partnership with GAMWORKS through We Khan Construction. UNDP provided funding which enabled the refurbishment of the dormitories to address the urgent congestion in Mile 2 which has been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The support to the Prisons also included 200 bunkbeds and 200 mattresses from GCCI.

The Director General of the Prisons Service, Mr. Ansumana Manneh, The CEO of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (GCCI) Mr. Alieu Secka and the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Aissata De, jointly opened the newly built dormitories and perimeter wall of the Jeshwang detention center.

The innovative approach of the partnership with the private sector, such as GCCI was premised on the Agenda 2030 principle to leave no one behind, and this includes prisoners as well in the COVID-19 response. This was vital to ensure that the detainees of congested Mile 2 were also spared from the fatal spread of the pandemic, said Ms. Aissata De, Resident Representative of UNDP.

“The year 2020 has been a very difficult year for the world, but thanks to UNDP and the GCCI it has been a progressive year for Prisons Service due to the newly built dormitories, PPE, renovation of infirmary” stated Mr. Ansumana Manneh, The Prisons Service Director General.

Our early intervention in the Prisons helped to reduce and prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in the Prisons, stated Mr. Alieu Secka, CEO of GCCI.

The new dormitories come at a critical time for the prisons as it faced the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthens ongoing efforts to mitigate infection risks. The Prison Service, in partnership with UNDP and GCCI worked in a diligent manner to decongest the Remand Wing and secure the perimeter wall for Jeshwang. In addition to the completion of the dormitories, the 200 bunkbeds and 200 mattresses. The Prison Service was also provided a 30-seater and 6 months of fuel and maintenance from GCCI. The GCCI also distributed 100,000 worth of detergents and 10 handwashing stations to prison facilities.

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For more information and media interviews, contact: Mariam Njai, Communications Analyst, UNDP The Gambia: Tel; +220 3303180, Email: mariam.njai@undp.org