The expansion of the Mazaruni Prison is closer to realisation as the bids are currently being tendered for eligible contractors to undertake the project.
The prison is being expanded as a result of the fire which destroyed the Camp Street jail, just over three months ago and the overcrowding at other penitentiaries across the country.
With that, a site at the current Mazaruni Prison was identified for the construction of the new wing, which is expected to house 400 prisoners. The current estimated bid being tendered is the sum of .8 billion. Interested contractors are invited to bid for the project, which will be carried out through the National Competitive Bidding procedures specified in the Procurement Act of 2003. Earlier this year, the sum of 8 million was approved by Cabinet for the first phase of the project.
A bird’s eye view of the location where the new Mazaruni Prison will be constructed18
The works include the renovation of the bachelors’ Quarters, trade shop, the dormitories, B-63 living quarters, spinsters’ quarters and the senior bachelors’ quarters at the prison. The estimated cost for the works is $26.1 million.
Other works include repairs to the self-acting sluice located at the front and east of the prison, the wharf, and the culverts located to the north and west of the prison, at an estimated cost of $20 million.
Ongoing works at the Mazaruni Prison include the construction of 20 living quarters to accommodate additional prison officers in anticipation of the approximately 400 prisoners to be housed at the Mazaruni Prison. The living quarters contain three bedrooms, a living room, a patio, kitchen and a washroom.
