In a recent visit to Gaoual, Honorable Abdoulaye Baldé, a deputy from the prefecture, inspected the local prison alongside prosecutor Gbamou Kpolomou. The prison, built in 1942, shows significant signs of deterioration. During the visit, the deputy inquired about detention conditions and infrastructure. He expressed concerns about the prison's age and current state, noting that while the prisoners appear healthy and well-fed, the facility itself is in disrepair.
The prison has five cells, but only three are occupied, with the remaining two being empty. Honorable Abdoulaye Baldé observed that the prisoners receive adequate food and care, with access to water and functional toilets. However, he emphasized that the prison's age and condition pose significant risks. Built in 1942, it is one of the oldest prisons in Guinea, and its structure is showing signs of wear and tear. The deputy highlighted the need for urgent attention to prevent potential disasters.
A significant threat to the prison is a large caïlcédrat tree whose branches hang over the building. In the event of strong winds or natural disasters, the tree could cause catastrophic damage. Honorable Abdoulaye Baldé stressed that immediate action is necessary to address this risk. He called on the highest authorities to take note of the situation and take necessary measures to prevent potential disasters.
The deputy also expressed concerns about the prison's staffing. With only three guards on duty, ensuring 24/7 surveillance is a significant challenge. He warned that this under-staffing could lead to security breaches, citing examples of incidents that have occurred in similar situations. Honorable Abdoulaye Baldé emphasized the need for increased personnel to maintain order and security within the prison.
Despite the challenges, the deputy commended the judicial authorities for their attention to the prisoners' well-being. He acknowledged that the prisoners are in good hands and receive proper care. However, he reiterated that the prison's condition and staffing shortages require urgent attention. Honorable Abdoulaye Baldé's visit aimed to draw attention to these issues and advocate for improvements.
The Gaoual prison's condition has historical significance, as the town was once known as the "ville-garnison" or "ville-prison" due to the facility. Honorable Abdoulaye Baldé's call for reconstruction and increased staffing aims to address the pressing issues facing the prison. He emphasized that the prison, like hospitals, is a public institution that serves all citizens, and its conditions should be improved.
In conclusion, Honorable Abdoulaye Baldé's visit to the Gaoual prison highlighted the urgent need for reconstruction and improved staffing. The prison's age, condition, and under-staffing pose significant risks to the safety and security of both the prisoners and the facility itself. The deputy has taken a crucial step in drawing attention to these issues, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to his calls for action.
Key points
- Honorable Abdoulaye Baldé calls for the reconstruction of the Gaoual prison due to its deplorable state and risks of collapse.
