THE Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental is planning to undertake a “build-operate-transfer” scheme with a private company to fast-track the construction of the new jail facility in Initao town.
Provincial Information Officer Nicole Managbanag said the Provincial Government wants a private entity to undertake the building of the new detention facility in Initao town in exchange for use of the old jail facility at the Capitol Compound.
Managbanag said the contractor will be allowed use of the area “with minimal terms of rent” in an as yet undetermined period of time or until the contractor regains his initial investment.
She said the province is still searching for interested parties.
Managbanag said the Provincial Government will be in-charge of the operation of the planned Initao facility.
The old Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail (MOPJ)sits in a 5,000 square meter lot in what is now considered prime real estate property.
The planned facility in Initao town will be constructed inside a 4-hectare property.
This project has long been planned and envisioned by the Provincial Government as the facility is already congested.
The MOPJ, built for 200 inmates, currently houses over 700 detainees.
“The congestion is unhealthy. This brings about a lot more security risks like security and the lack of any rehabilitation aspect of detention,” Misamis Oriental Governor Yegveny Vincente Emano said.
Emano said the new facility will not only house inmates but will also provide basic amenities, rehabilitation and livelihood training facilities.
“We want them to have the chance for a new life,” Emano said.
Emano also promised relatives of prisoners a free bus ride to take them to and from the jail facility.