The Ministry of Justice wishes to provide clarification following a TNN report published today concerning the water supply and inmate work activity at the Westgate Correctional Facility.
The report suggested that the water supply had only been partially restored.
The Department of Corrections can report that the water supply was restored on Sunday (with some toilets not flushing due to pressure levels).
However, conditions at the facility have been continuously monitored and were checked prior to this report and the Department can confirm that water is currently running, toilets are operational, and showers are functioning. All residential units have been fully operational as of Monday.
The report also referred to a work stoppage. The Department can confirm that inmates assigned to the kitchen declined to work today; however other areas remained operational.
The main disruption today involved meal service. Meals were provided by an external caterer, with this arrangement expected to continue throughout the week.
The Ministry will continue to monitor conditions at Westgate and provide accurate information where clarification is required.
