The president of Mbuji-Mayi's provincial assembly, Willy Muya, has urged authorities to consider relocating the city's central prison. The prison's current location in the heart of Mbuji-Mayi, in the Kasaï-Oriental province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, poses significant security risks. Muya emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the prison's location and its impact on the surrounding community.
The prison's proximity to several public institutions, academic establishments, financial institutions, commercial areas, and residential zones has raised concerns about public safety. Muya stressed that the prison's relocation is necessary to ensure the security of both the prisoners and the surrounding community. He also highlighted the need for a solution that balances public safety, sanitation, and urban planning.
Muya's comments were made in response to the prison's current state, which he described as unsustainable. He emphasized that relocating the prison is not simply a matter of moving an institution, but rather an opportunity to develop a comprehensive urban planning strategy. This strategy should prioritize the safety of prisoners, prison staff, and the surrounding community.
The proposed relocation has been welcomed by some as a necessary step towards improving the city's infrastructure. The provincial assembly's call for relocation has sparked a renewed debate about the prison's location and its impact on the community. Authorities have been urged to engage with various stakeholders to identify a suitable site for the new prison.
According to Muya, the relocation process should involve all relevant stakeholders and respect the competencies of each. He emphasized that the goal is to develop a sustainable solution that is integrated into the city's urban planning policy. This policy should prioritize the safety of prisoners, prison staff, and the surrounding community.
The Congolese press agency, ACP, reported that Muya's comments were made on October 6, 2026. The report highlighted the need for a thorough examination of the prison's location and its impact on the surrounding community. The provincial assembly's call for relocation has sparked a renewed debate about the prison's location and its impact on the community.
The relocation of the Mbuji-Mayi central prison is expected to have significant implications for the city's infrastructure and public safety. Authorities have been urged to prioritize the safety of prisoners, prison staff, and the surrounding community in the relocation process. A suitable site for the new prison is yet to be identified.
Key points
- The president of Mbuji-Mayi's provincial assembly has called for the relocation of the city's central prison due to security concerns.
