Malaysia launches prison poultry project in Mariental
• Project in collaboration with Namibian Correctional Services
Since 2023, inmates at the Mariental prison have produced 31 tonnes of vegetables, three tonnes of bales of lucerne, 275 tonnes of wheat and 644 tonnes of maize on 10 hectares of land.
The High Commission of Malaysia launched a poultry barn project last week in collaboration with the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) via the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) alumni of Namibia.
Donated to the Hardap correctional facility in Mariental, the chicken barn will engage inmates in constructive activities where they will not only learn skills they will need after release but also produce chicken and eggs for their consumption to complement their diet.
Speaking at the occasion, deputy commissioner general Sam Shaalulange, on behalf of NCS commissioner general Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela, thanked the Malaysian High Commission through the MTCP Alumni Projects for complementing their correctional service rehabilitation initiatives. “The entire Namibian Correctional Service rank and file is indeed grateful for this generous donation,” he said.
Rehab initiatives boosted
Shaalulange praised the decision to establish the chicken project at the Mariental prison, which he said has been on a steady path of success in food production.
Since 2023, the correctional facility food rehabilitation initiatives have produced 31 tonnes of vegetables, three tonnes of bales of lucerne, 275 tonnes of wheat and 644 tonnes of maize, which were harvested in May, he said. Shaalulange said these crops were all harvested on 10 hectares of land.
The acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Namibia, Dato’ Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya, said they also donated chickens to the project, which will be placed in the barn as soon as the fences around it are erected, which is expected to be done by July.
“These kinds of projects are a testament to our willingness and assertiveness to enhance our cooperation and collaborations with Namibia,” said Rameez.
MTCP president Shali Kapepo lauded the initiative, underscoring its importance in providing inmates with practical knowledge of poultry farming, which can be a sustainable source of livelihood post-incarceration.
Donated to the Hardap correctional facility in Mariental, the chicken barn will engage inmates in constructive activities where they will not only learn skills they will need after release but also produce chicken and eggs for their consumption to complement their diet.
Speaking at the occasion, deputy commissioner general Sam Shaalulange, on behalf of NCS commissioner general Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela, thanked the Malaysian High Commission through the MTCP Alumni Projects for complementing their correctional service rehabilitation initiatives. “The entire Namibian Correctional Service rank and file is indeed grateful for this generous donation,” he said.
Rehab initiatives boosted
Shaalulange praised the decision to establish the chicken project at the Mariental prison, which he said has been on a steady path of success in food production.
Since 2023, the correctional facility food rehabilitation initiatives have produced 31 tonnes of vegetables, three tonnes of bales of lucerne, 275 tonnes of wheat and 644 tonnes of maize, which were harvested in May, he said. Shaalulange said these crops were all harvested on 10 hectares of land.
The acting High Commissioner of Malaysia to Namibia, Dato’ Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya, said they also donated chickens to the project, which will be placed in the barn as soon as the fences around it are erected, which is expected to be done by July.
“These kinds of projects are a testament to our willingness and assertiveness to enhance our cooperation and collaborations with Namibia,” said Rameez.
MTCP president Shali Kapepo lauded the initiative, underscoring its importance in providing inmates with practical knowledge of poultry farming, which can be a sustainable source of livelihood post-incarceration.
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Namibian Sun
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