KIGALI - The Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS), Paul Rwarakabije, has said that the firm contracted to build a new prison at Butamwa, Nyarugenge District, delayed the process.

Speaking to The New Times yesterday, he stated that the contractor had agreed to expedite the process, but however, refused to reveal the firm.

The new facility will pave way for the relocation of Kigali Central Prison commonly known as ‘1930’ and Remera Prison in Kimironko.

"Recently, I toured the area where the prison will be built and so far, roads connecting the area have been constructed, and the site where the facility will be erected has also been cleared,” he said.

Rwarakabije disclosed that they would hold a meeting with Nyarugenge District officials to explore ways to contract another firm to speed up the process.

He refuted reports that the facility would be ready to accommodate inmates before the end of the year, saying that this would not be possible since construction works are yet to begin.

"We are doing all we can to make sure that the construction works start very soon before this year ends,” he said.

He noted that the expropriation exercise was complete, reiterating that what remains is to speed up the construction.

Butamwa Prison is expected to house male inmates from the Kigali Central Prison and Remera Prison while the female inmates would be accommodated at the Remera facility.

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