The Prisons Care and Counselling Association (PRISCA) has raised concern over the low earnings of prisoners sentenced to hard labor, stating that the current amount of K1 per day is inadequate.
PRISCA Executive Director, Godfrey Malembeka, described the payment as far too minimal given the intensive manual work inmates perform.
He noted that the amount is insufficient to meet their basic needs upon release, making reintegration into society even more challenging.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Luysaka today, Mr. Malembeka urged government, through the Ministry of Justice, to increase the daily earnings to at least K20 per day or more.
He emphasized that such an increment would provide financial stability to former inmates, reducing the risk of them reoffending due to economic hardship.
“These low earnings are forcing some inmates to prefer staying in prison even after being pardoned, as they fear facing financial difficulties outside,” said Mr. Malembeka.
Meanwhile, Mr. Malembeka also proposed that female inmates with circumstantial children be included in the Social Cash Transfer program and be considered for loans from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).
He explained that such support would enable these women to provide for their children, particularly as many face divorce or family abandonment after conviction.
Mr. Malembeka further noted that financial empowerment programs for inmates could help reduce prison congestion by discouraging recidivism driven by economic struggles, a challenge that has persisted for years.
By Christabel Kamunu
