The Westville Medium A Prison kitchen has been closed since February last year after failing to meet required compliance standards, forcing the Department of Correctional Services to rely on neighbouring facilities to provide meals for inmates.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
A multi-million rand refurbishment of the Westville Medium A Prison kitchen is expected to be completed in 2027, with the facility likely to reopen later in the year.
The kitchen has been closed since February last year after failing to meet required compliance standards, forcing the Department of Correctional Services to rely on neighbouring facilities to provide meals for inmates.
At the time, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) told the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services it needed R12 million to refurbish the kitchen, which includes replacing equipment, repairing the floor surface, tiling and painting.
Less than a month ago Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, revealed in a parliamentary response that the region had reprioritised R550 000 for the Durban management area to facilitate critical refurbishment work, including the procurement of paint for the ceiling, epoxy coating, lighting and floor repair.
A further R2 million will be allocated later this year for the project to be completed.
“Preliminary refurbishment work has been completed. This include removal of rubble, the scrapping of walls surfaces and the scrapping of floor tiles. Painting has also commenced.”
“The reopening of the kitchen is anticipated in the third quarter of 2027/28, funds amounting R2 million will be allocated to the project in the third quarter of the current financial year 2026/27 to complete the outstanding structural work and the procurement of the necessary equipment,” he explained.
In the meantime, lunch and supper is prepared at Westville Maximum Correctional Centre and transported to the prison using food trolleys.
“Breakfast is prepared at Westville Medium Pre-Release Correctional Centre and similarly transported using food trolleys. The department continues to monitor food preparation and transportation processes to ensure compliance with applicable nutritional, health, and food safety standards,” said Groenewald.
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