By zainab.joaque@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) has proposed a budget of SLE 193 million for the fiscal year 2025, a significant increase from the SLE 156.9 million approved for FY 2024. This increase reflects the SLCS’s ongoing efforts to address persistent challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and the need for enhanced rehabilitation programs.
The budget overrun of SLE 63 million in FY 2023—78% higher than the approved amount—highlights the severe financial pressures faced by the SLCS. Rising costs for food, healthcare, and other essential services, combined with an increasing inmate population, have strained the system to its limits.
The proposed FY 2025 budget is designed to tackle these challenges head-on, with a particular focus on improving infrastructure, advancing technology, and enhancing rehabilitation efforts. This reflects a commitment to not only managing the immediate needs of the correctional system but also laying the groundwork for long-term improvements.
In a presentation at the Ministry of Finance, the SLCS detailed the specific areas contributing to the budget overrun in FY 2023. Key expenditures included SLE 33.4 million on rice, SLE 21.2 million on diet and condiments, and SLE 10.7 million on medical services and fumigation. These costs were driven by inflation and rising prices, exacerbating the financial burden on the service.
Infrastructure projects also played a significant role in the budget overrun, with SLE 15.3 million invested in the expansion of correctional facilities and construction of new cell blocks. These projects are essential for addressing the issue of overcrowding but require substantial financial resources.
Additionally, the SLCS allocated SLE 35.8 million to pay arrears from FY 2022, an unexpected financial obligation that further strained the budget. Other operational costs, such as SLE 3 million for office expenses and SLE 4.7 million for fuel, added to the overall financial pressures.
The rising inmate population has intensified demands on resources, including food, medical care, and sanitation, necessitating higher expenditures than originally anticipated. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for increased financial support to manage the growing challenges within the correctional system.
During the budget presentation, Deputy Minister I, Kadiatu Allie, emphasized the importance of early and decisive action in the budget process. “We must ensure that our priorities are clear from the outset to avoid surprises later on,” she stated. Allie encouraged active participation in the budget discussions, stressing that a collaborative approach is essential for setting priorities and making the most of the available resources.
Acting Director General Brigadier General Sheku Sulaiman Massaquoi highlighted the need for a structured approach to rehabilitate and reintegrate incarcerated individuals. He pointed out that the current lack of tools and equipment for effective training hampers the reintegration process, making it difficult for former inmates to reintegrate into society successfully.
Massaquoi also stressed the importance of prioritizing the welfare of correctional officers and improving their working conditions. “By addressing these issues, we can enhance the overall image of the correctional service and ensure it serves the community effectively while upholding human rights,” he said. ZIJ/21/8/2024
