The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s plan to relocate the Correctional Centre in Enugu Government Reserved Area, GRA, to a new site.

Governor Peter Mbah made this pledge when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions at the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday.

Mbah told the delegation, led by Committee Chairman Mr Chinedu Ogah, that his administration had long advocated for relocating the facility, which was built in 1915, to a more suitable location.

He commended the Federal Government for its decision, stating, “This is something we have been advocating for.”

“This administration has already completed the survey of the new site, and we are ready to take you there,” Mbah added.

The governor also called for the automation of the justice system to reduce congestion in correctional centres.

“This state has been pushing for a complete justice reform system. We have fully automated court processes to ensure the speedy dispensation of justice.

The correctional facility is largely occupied by inmates awaiting trial,” the governor said.

In his remarks, Ogah commended Mbah for improving security in the state.

“I can see that people now move freely at any time of the day without fear,” he said.

He also praised investments in security technology and the efforts of correctional officers and other security agencies in preventing jailbreaks in Enugu State.

Ogah further appreciated the governor’s commitment to providing a new site for the correctional facility.